In a significant turn of events, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rejected the ICC’s offer to host the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled for October 2024. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed the decision, attributing it to the ongoing monsoon season and India’s commitment to hosting the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025.
Shah elaborated on the decision: “We have clearly declined the opportunity to host the Women’s T20 World Cup. Given the monsoon conditions and our upcoming commitment to the Women’s ODI World Cup, we prefer not to host two major tournaments consecutively.”
This development leaves the ICC searching for a new venue for the tournament, which will take place from October 3 to 20. With India stepping aside, the ICC is now considering Sri Lanka and the UAE as potential hosts.
Bangladesh the original host is facing severe political and security challenges, casting doubt on its ability to stage the event. The ICC has been closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, where recent unrest has led to heightened security concerns. An ICC spokesperson commented, “We are actively assessing the situation in Bangladesh in coordination with the BCB, local security agencies, and our independent consultants. The safety of all participants remains our top priority.”
Amid the political turmoil and internal disruptions within the BCB following the recent fall of the Awami League government, the organisation is struggling to manage the logistical and security aspects of the tournament. This instability, combined with travel advisories issued by several participating countries, has complicated the planning process.
As the ICC looks for alternative venues, discussions with potential host nations are expected to gain momentum. Shah indicated that while there has been no direct communication with the new Bangladeshi authorities, there may be opportunities for future discussions. “We understand the importance of the Bangladesh series and are open to engaging with them as necessary,” Shah said.
With the clock ticking, the ICC faces a critical task in securing a new location for the Women’s T20 World Cup, ensuring that the tournament can proceed smoothly despite the shifting landscape.
