India Pulls Out of 2024 Women's T20 World Cup Hosting Race
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has definitively rejected the International Cricket Council's (ICC) proposal to host the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in October 2024. This decision leaves Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates as the primary contenders for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 3rd to 20th October.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed the decision, stating that the board "categorically said no" to the ICC's request. He cited the monsoon season in India and the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup in 2025 as key factors in their decision. Shah emphasised the BCCI's desire to avoid hosting consecutive World Cups.
The ICC has been evaluating alternative hosting options after Bangladesh, the original venue, faced significant challenges in the aftermath of recent political turmoil. The country has been rocked by violent protests and security concerns, leading to several deaths and the removal of the Sheikh Hasina government. This situation prompted several participating teams, including England, Australia, and India, to issue strong travel advisories.
The ICC is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, with an official stating earlier this week that all options are being considered. "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."
Despite efforts from the new interim government in Bangladesh to salvage the tournament, the travel advisories and the political instability pose significant hurdles for the BCB. Further complicating matters, the BCB is experiencing internal turmoil, with president Nazmul Hassan and former sports minister effectively out of office since the fall of the Awami League government on 5th August. Several board directors with political connections are also unavailable.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh men's Test team is currently touring Pakistan for a two-match series. They arrived in Pakistan early due to training disruptions caused by the protests in Bangladesh. The team is also scheduled to tour India in September for two Tests and three T20 Internationals.
Shah acknowledged that the BCCI hasn't yet contacted the Bangladesh authorities. However, he indicated that communication is likely to occur soon, either from the Bangladeshi government or the BCCI. He stressed the importance of the Bangladesh series for India.
With India's withdrawal, the ICC faces a challenging decision regarding the tournament's future. Sri Lanka and the UAE are now front-runners, and the final decision is expected to be announced on 20th August. The ICC will need to weigh factors such as infrastructure, security, and logistical considerations to determine the most suitable alternative venue.
