BCCI secretary rules out India as alternative host for 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that India will not be hosting the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, even if the tournament is relocated from Bangladesh due to the ongoing political unrest in the nation. 

Bangladesh is currently the designated host, but the ICC has been reconsidering the venue following travel advisories issued by several participating nations against visiting the country.

The unrest in Bangladesh has led to the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several BCB directors, including BCB president Nazmul Hassan, who were associated with Hasina's Awami League. 

According to the report by ESPNcricinfo, potential alternative hosts included India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. 

However, in an interview with Cricbuzz, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has made it clear that India is not an option for hosting the women's mega-event tournament.

“They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no,”  Shah said. 

India recently hosted the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and is set to host the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, as well as co-host the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka. 

Given these commitments and the monsoon season, Shah emphasized that India is not in a position to take on another World Cup.

“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,” he said.

If the ICC decides to move the tournament within Asia, the UAE emerges as the most likely alternative, particularly as Sri Lanka often experiences heavy rainfall in October, the scheduled period for the tournament. The final decision on the venue is awaited from the ICC.