BCCI turns down ICC's plea to conduct Women's T20 World Cup as Bangladesh grapples with riots

Bangladesh has been hit with severe outrage due to student protests and the high political tension has toppled the sitting government and made way for the new administration. As the situation is still out of control, the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the country is in jeopardy. ICC had requested BCCI to conduct the tournament in India and BCCI secretary, Jay Shah has turned down the request.

The marquee event was scheduled to commence in October and with more than 300 people killed in ongoing political turmoil, it is highly unlikely that the event will be held. Shah explained his decision to not host the tournament and reasoned that India will be hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2025. The ICC is considering Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates as other potential venues for the global event.

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“They (ICC) have asked us if we would stage the World Cup. I have categorically said no. We would be in the monsoon season 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,” said Shah as quoted by The Hindu.

Cricket gets affected due to Bangladesh riots

The protests in Bangladesh led to sitting Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country and public property as well as houses of celebrities were also attacked. Moreover, countries like England, India, and Australia issued a stern travel advisory as the new government in Bangladesh was formed.

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Speaking of the Bangladesh team, they are in Pakistan for the two-match Test series with the first Test scheduled to commence on August 21 in Rawalpindi. The turmoil in the country made the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) pre-pone the travel for the safety of the players.