The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that India will not act as a reserve host for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in October if it has to be shifted from Bangladesh, a decision confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.

The current situation in Bangladesh has raised doubts about the feasibility of hosting the tournament in the country. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently resigned and fled to India after weeks of violent anti-government protests that left numerous victims.

The unrest has prompted the International Cricket Council (ICC) to closely monitor developments in Bangladesh, where the Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from October 3 to 20.

Given the current situation, the ICC approached the BCCI to discuss the possibility of India stepping in as an alternate host, but Jay Shah firmly rejected the request, stating that he had concerns about the timing.

“We would still be in the monsoon season and next year we will be hosting the Women’s ODI World Cup. I don’t want to give the impression that I want to host two consecutive World Cups.”

Jay Shah

The political unrest in Bangladesh, which began as student protests against the civil service quota system, has left over 400 people dead. The ICC is currently working with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and independent security advisers to assess the situation and ensure the safety of all those involved.

The Women’s T20 World Cup is expected to feature ten teams, including England and Scotland, with 23 matches scheduled to be played in Dhaka and Sylhet. If the tournament has to be postponed, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates are being considered as possible alternative hosts.