News

Sri Lanka front runner to host Women’s World Cup after India turn down offer from ICC to host event

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2024

Editor

Sri Lanka has emerged as the front runner to host the forthcoming Women’s T20I World Cup 2024 following India’s refusal to accommodate the ICC’s request for the event.

According to reports from Indian media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially rejected the ICC’s request to stage the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, which is set to take place from October 3 to 20. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the ICC had approached the Indian board with this proposal. As a result, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates have emerged as the primary alternatives.

The ICC is contemplating the relocation of the Women’s T20 World Cup due to escalating violence and security issues in Bangladesh. The nation has been grappling with significant unrest following anti-government demonstrations that have led to numerous casualties and the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.

An ICC representative indicated earlier this week that the situation in Bangladesh is being closely monitored, with all possible options under consideration. Bangladesh is encountering substantial obstacles in its efforts to host the forthcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

Stringent travel advisories issued by prominent cricketing nations, including England, Australia, and India, due to security concerns, present a significant challenge for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Adding to the complexity is the ongoing political instability within the country.

The recent governmental transition has left the BCB in disarray, with key figures, such as the former president and sports minister, no longer in their positions. The absence of several board directors due to political affiliations has further intensified the challenges faced by the BCB.

Jay Shah remarked that the ICC had approached him regarding the possibility of hosting the World Cup, to which he firmly responded in the negative.

“The ICC inquired whether we would be willing to host the World Cup. I have unequivocally stated no,” Jay Shah was quoted as saying. “We are currently in the monsoon season, and additionally, we are set to host the Women’s ODI World Cup next year. I do not wish to convey any indication that I am interested in hosting consecutive World Cups.”

A final decision regarding the potential relocation of the Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh is expected by 20 August. The tournament is scheduled to take place from 3 to 20 October.

If Sri Lanka cricket board can acquire the hosting rights it would significantly benefit the Chamari-led Asian Champions, providing them with the advantage of playing in familiar conditions and the support of local fans.

Sri Lanka recently hosted the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, where they also secured the inaugural title.

The victory helps cap off a tremendous 14-month period for Sri Lanka, who have claimed T20I series triumphs over Bangladesh, England and South Africa in recent times as well winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier tournament to earn a place at this year’s tournament in October.

Cricket

ICC Team to Visit Sri Lanka Amid Cricket Administration Shake-Up

Published

21 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior representative linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend as attention grows over recent changes to the country’s cricket administration.

According to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected in Colombo on Friday night, with another top ICC official who also serves in a leading capacity within the BCCI due to arrive on Saturday.

The visit comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to appoint an interim committee to manage the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of its leadership.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed during a televised interview that discussions with ICC representatives are expected to take place in the coming days regarding the future direction of cricket administration in the country.

The newly appointed nine-member interim body was established on April 29 after SLC President Shammi Silva and members of the Executive Committee stepped down from office.
Government officials say the temporary panel will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cricket operations, introducing administrative reforms, and preparing the groundwork for fresh elections within Sri Lanka Cricket.

The ICC visit is expected to focus on governance issues, the transition process, and the stability of cricket administration during the interim period.

Cricket

LPL 2026 Opening Game between Jaffna and Galle

Published

22 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and Runners-up respectively in the 2024 season.

The opening game is scheduled to be played on 17th July at the SSC Grounds, commencing at
7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, a spectacular opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from 17th July to 8th August across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.

Cricket

RCB Bring in Gleeson After Thushara Exit; CSK Add Kuldip as Injury Cover

Published

22 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have roped in experienced England pacer Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara ahead of the IPL 2026 Knockouts.

Thushara was unable to join the Bengaluru franchise after failing to secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. The board reportedly withheld approval because the pacer did not meet the required fitness benchmarks set by the national setup.

RCB have signed Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore. The 38-year-old seamer brings previous IPL experience, having represented both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in recent seasons. Gleeson featured in two matches for Chennai in 2024 and made a single appearance for Mumbai in the 2025 campaign. He has also represented England in nine T20 Internationals.

Thushara, who was bought by RCB for the same amount in 2025, played one game during the franchise’s championship-winning run last season. Despite being retained for IPL 2026, his participation was blocked after the NOC issue emerged.

The Sri Lankan quick had initially taken legal action against the cricket board regarding the matter, but later withdrew the case and issued a written apology. Court documents reportedly indicated that Thushara had considered stepping away from international cricket, although no final decision on his future has yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have announced Indian pacer Kuldip Yadav as a replacement for injured left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel’s season was cut short after he suffered a right quadricep injury during Chennai’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Before the setback, he had claimed two wickets in five appearances while maintaining an economy rate of 8.67.

Kuldip, a right-arm pacer, previously represented Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, making three appearances across the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Chennai have secured his services for INR 30 lakh.

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