By The Nexus Gazette.
August 16, 2024
In a significant development for international cricket, India has officially declined to host the Women’s T20 World Cup, which was initially planned to take place in Bangladesh later this year. This decision is largely influenced by the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh, where former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently fled to India after weeks of violent anti-government protests.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had approached India as a potential backup host for the Women’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled for October. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused the offer, citing several logistical challenges. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah pointed out that hosting the tournament during the monsoon season would be highly impractical. He also emphasized that organizing consecutive World Cups would place an undue strain on resources, as India is already set to host the Women’s ODI World Cup next year.
“Managing two major tournaments within such a short span would compromise the quality of both events and stretch our logistical capabilities,” Shah stated. This decision by the BCCI underscores India’s cautious approach to event management, ensuring that each tournament receives the necessary focus and preparation.
The Women’s T20 World Cup, a premier event in women’s cricket, was expected to feature top teams like Australia, England, and India, along with emerging nations such as Scotland. The tournament was initially set to be held at key venues across Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Sylhet.
With India stepping back, the ICC is now considering alternative hosts, with Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates emerging as potential options. These countries offer suitable cricketing infrastructure and favorable weather conditions during the scheduled dates, making them viable alternatives for hosting the tournament.
The ICC is actively monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, working closely with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and independent security consultants to assess the feasibility of holding the event as originally planned. Despite the challenges, the ICC remains committed to ensuring the tournament takes place, recognizing its importance for the growth of women’s cricket globally.
“The Women’s T20 World Cup is a cornerstone event for women’s cricket, and we are determined to find a suitable host to ensure it goes ahead smoothly,” said an ICC spokesperson.As the global cricket community awaits further updates, fans are hopeful that the tournament will proceed, highlighting the best talent in women’s cricket on an international stage.
Resources:
1.https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/sports/cricket/india-declines-to-host-womens-t20-world-cup/
2.https://sports.yahoo.com/india-refuse-step-host-womens-120545713.html
3.https://www.aol.com/news/india-says-no-hosting-womens-144428726.html
4.https://www.isidewith.com/discuss/5235333116