The BCCI has “categorically said no” to the ICC’s invitation to host the Women’s T20 World Cup in October, according to the statement made by its secretary Jay Shah. It is acknowledged that the decision will probably be made by the ICC on August 20 with Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates as potential replacements after India has ruled itself out of the possibility of hosting the October 3–20 competition.
“They [the ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no,” Shah told Times of India. “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.”
“We’ve not spoken to them (the Bangladesh authorities),” 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”, Shah continues.
Since violence and security issues during anti-government protests in Bangladesh rocked the country, resulting in numerous deaths and the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina government, the ICC has been considering a relocation.
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Earlier this week, an ICC representative stated that all options were kept open and that the situation in Bangladesh was being watched. “The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], their security agencies, and our own independent security consultants,” a statement from the ICC stated. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants.”
The governments of several participating teams, including England, Australia, and India, have issued strong travel advisories. These are the biggest obstacles facing the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), even as the country’s new interim government is trying everything in its power to save the tournament.
In addition to security issues, the BCB has been having issues since Nazmul Hassan, its president and former minister of sports, was effectively been ousted from office following the fall of the Awami League cabinet on August 5. Several board members with direct or indirect political affiliations have also been kept in the dark about developments.
The Bangladesh men’s Test team is currently on tour in Pakistan, where they will play two matches. They arrived in the country early after training was disrupted in Bangladesh owing to demonstrations. They will also tour India next month for two Tests and three T20 Internationals.
