India among other venues is being looked at by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a backup option for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Bangladesh is undergoing severe turmoil with protests all around the country. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is now uncertain about conducting the World Cup in Bangladesh which is supposed to take place in October. The nation’s internal unrest has raised concerns about security for the international tournament.

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. ICC is likely to come up with a decision on the same in a week’s time. India has emerged as one of the strong contenders to host the global event, while ICC is also keeping UAE, and Sri Lanka as their other options.

“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 had fled the country.

The Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted across 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. The current scenario in the country is not looking good and it is unlikely that the World Cup will take place there.

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