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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah revealed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) approached the board with a request to host the women's T20 World Cup 2024 in India.
The upcoming women's T20 World Cup 2024 will be hosted by Bangladesh, but the nationwide unrest in the country prompted the ICC to decide whether the move the tournament from the country. The uncertainty over hosting the prestigious tournament, which is scheduled to take place from October 3 to 20, was surrounded by political turmoil and the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh's Prime Minister.
It has been reported that the ICC is currently looking at options of moving the women's T20 World Cup from Bangladesh if the situation in the country doesn't improve.
Speaking to Times Of India (TOI), Jay Shah refused ICC's request to host the upcoming women's T20 World Cup as the BCCI doesn't want to give the impression of hosting two women's world cups in India.
"They (ICC) had asked the BCCI if they can host the event, but I flatly refused. We would be still in the monsoon season and next year, we are going to host the ODI Women's World Cup." BCCI Secretary said.
"I do not want to give the impression that I want to host consecutive World Cups." he added.
India hosted the women's T20 World Cup in 2016, where the West Indies clinched their maiden trophy of the prestigious tournament. Despite being the host, the Women in Blue had a disappointing campaign as they were knocked out in the group stage of the tournament.
Meanwhile, India will be hosting the Women's ODI World Cup next year, starting from September to October. The dates and fixtures for the tournament have not been revealed yet. With BCCI refusal to host the women's T20 World Cup this year, the ICC will have to look for an alternative host for the tournament in case Bangladesh cannot host it due to political tensions in the country.
'Bangladesh series is very important to us': Jay Shah
Speaking about India's upcoming home series against Bangladesh, BCCI secretary stated that it is important for the hosts, adding that he has not spoken to the Bangladesh Cricket Board yet given the political situation in the country.
"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." Jay Shah.
"The Bangladesh series is very important to us." he added.
The series between India and Bangladesh will consist of two Tests and three T20Is, starting on September 19.
