The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has revealed that BCCI has rejected ICC’s proposal to host the Women’s t20 World Cup 2024 in October. The ICC is planning on shifting the event after the violence and security challenges in the aftermath of Anti-government agitations leading to several deaths and dethroning PM Sheikh Hasina.
With BCCI categorically saying No to the ICC’s offer, the world governing sports body is likely to take the final call on August 20. India has ruled out themselves as hosts of the tournament which leaves Sri Lanka and UAE as the possible alternatives.
“They [ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no. We’re in the monsoon and on top of that we will host the Women’s ODI World Cup next year. I don’t want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups.”
Earlier this week, an ICC official said that the situation in Bangladesh is being monitored and planned out for all situations. “The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], their security agencies, and our own independent security consultants,” an ICC statement said. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants.”
Recently, the BCB chief sent a letter to their Army chief on security concerns on hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup. The new interim government is making a last attempt to solve the issue, with strong advisories issued by the governments of England, Australia, and India which proves to be a barrier to the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
However, the Bangladesh men’s team is currently in Pakistan to play a two-match test series and is also slated to tour India for two tests and three T20is.
“We’ve not spoken to them (the Bangladesh authorities),” Shah said. “A new government has taken charge there. They might reach out to us or else I will reach out to them. The Bangladesh series is very important to us,” concluded Jay Shah.
