India Declines to Host Women's T20 World Cup Amid Bangladesh Crisis
India's cricket authorities have confirmed they will not step in to host the Women's T20 World Cup if it needs to be relocated from Bangladesh, according to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. The decision comes amid escalating political turmoil in Bangladesh, which is scheduled to host the tournament from October 3-20.
Recent unrest in Bangladesh has intensified following the resignation and subsequent flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who left the country after weeks of violent anti-government protests. The situation has prompted the International Cricket Council (ICC) to closely monitor developments and consider alternative plans if necessary.
Shah revealed that the ICC had approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to explore the possibility of moving the tournament to India. However, Shah stated that the BCCI had "flatly refused" the offer, citing ongoing concerns about the monsoon season and the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup that India is scheduled to host next year.
“We would still be in the monsoon season and next year we are going to host the Women’s ODI World Cup,” Shah told the Times of India. “I do not want to give the impression that I want to hold consecutive World Cups.”
The crisis in Bangladesh has seen over 400 fatalities during weeks of student-led protests against civil service job quotas. The ICC is working with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and independent security consultants to assess the safety of hosting the tournament in Dhaka and Sylhet, the planned venues.
If the situation in Bangladesh does not improve, the tournament could be moved to alternative hosts, with Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates identified as potential candidates.
The Women's T20 World Cup will feature 10 teams, including England and Scotland, competing in 23 matches. As the ICC continues to monitor the situation, cricket fans and teams await further updates on the tournament's location.
Social Plugin