With the ongoing political turmoil and violence in Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been pondering over alternative venues to host the upcoming 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. The T20I showpiece, originally slated to be held in Bangladesh in October, is likely to be shifted out of the country.

The ICC first approached the BCCI to host the competition but the board secretary ‘flatly’ refused the proposal citing the monsoon season in India in addition to the fact that they are scheduled to host the ODI World Cup next year.

“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,” BCCI Shah told The Times of India.

Now according to the daily, UAE has emerged as the top contender after India’s refusal. There are three world-class stadiums in  the region including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

Besides UAE, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are also in the running.