2024 Women's T20 World Cup: India among alternate venues on ICC's radar

The latest developments in Bangladesh have left International Cricket Council (ICC) in a quandary over the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup and the internal disturbances in the country have certainly caused alarm in Dubai, the headquarters of the sport's governing body, over the security for the global event in October.

It may not be a surprise if the world body considers moving the tournament out of Bangladesh, the country which has been witnessing riots, arson, violence with protracted curfew and internet shutdown. An ICC decision is likely in a week and among the alternate options, India has emerged as a strong contender.

"The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), their security agencies and our own independent security consultants. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants," a spokesperson for ICC said on Monday, hours after reports emerged that the country's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled the country.

Ten teams are scheduled to play 23 matches, over 18 days, at two venues in Bangladesh, the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet from October 3 to 20. But in the current scenario holding the tournament looks difficult and ICC may opt for a country in the same time zone as Bangladesh. Apart from India, UAE and Sri Lanka also fit the requirement.

"All places with favourable weather will be in the mix if it becomes clear that we can't play in Bangladesh. That may or may not be the case," said an ICC member in the know of the developments. After the recent conclave in Colombo, ICC officials had told Cricbuzz that while they were monitoring the situation in the country, there was a sense of optimism that things could get normal soon and there was enough time for the World Cup. But the latest situation has turned serious.

The ICC is expected to speak to the Bangladesh Cricket Board officials (BCB) very soon over the feasibility of holding the tournament in Dhaka and Sylhet. Inputs from the BCB officials will be important but the ICC Board, expected to meet soon, can also take a call that is not necessarily in order with the BCB feedback.