Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has declined the offer by the International Cricket Council to host the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in October. The ten-team tournament is under threat of being moved from Bangladesh amid continuing political unrest, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and exit. With less than two months to go, some regrets and fears have started cropping up with regard to Bangladesh's capacity to host this mega event.
"They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no. 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," Shah was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
With India pulling out of staging the T20 World Cup for men, the tourney could not take place. Now, it is rescheduled to take place in either Sri Lanka or the UAE, which had the rounds of qualifiers early this year.
The political instability in Bangladesh saw their men's Test team land in Pakistan at least 10 days earlier and is undergoing an extensive training session before the two-match series. In addition, next month, Bangladesh is headed to tour India for two Tests and three ODIs from September 19. "We haven't yet communicated with the new government in Bangladesh, but they may reach out to us. If not, I'll make contact with them. The Bangladesh series is crucial for us," Shah added.
Besides, he informed that there is no need for captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli to play the first round of the Duleep Trophy, which begins on September 5 at Bengaluru and Anantapur.
"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," added Shah.
"Apart from them, everyone else is playing. You should appreciate that. One must note that Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer are playing in the Buchi Babu tournament. We should not insist on players like Rohit and Virat to play in the Duleep Trophy. They will risk injury. If you have noticed, in Australia and England, every international player does not play domestic cricket. We have to treat the players with respect."
Read also | Vinesh Phogat's Appeal Rejected by CAS; IOA President PT Usha Voices Disbelief
Read also | Olympic Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem Faces Backlash for Meeting Alleged LeT Affiliate
