The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a significant decision regarding its involvement in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, refusing to host the event. This revelation came from Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, during an interaction with journalists from the Times Group at the TOI’s Mumbai office on Wednesday. Shah emphasized the clarity of the BCCI’s stance: “They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no.”
The question arose amidst ongoing disturbances in Bangladesh, which led the ICC to consider India as a potential alternative venue for the World Cup. Jay Shah shed light on the BCCI’s reasoning. “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.”
Shah also highlighted the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, emphasizing its importance for the BCCI. “We’ve not spoken to them (the Bangladesh authorities). A new government has taken charge there. They might reach out to us, or else I will reach out to them. The Bangladesh series is very important to us.” Scheduled to start on September 19, the series will comprise two Tests followed by three T20Is.
One of the BCCI’s significant projects, the High Performance Centre in Bengaluru, is nearing its completion and will be inaugurated next month. Shah elaborated on its progress: “After I took over as the secretary in October of 2019, a lot of time went towards holding the IPL due to the pandemic. The office was shut for two years. When we got the second term in 2022, we decided to take this project forward. The foundation was laid in my first term.”
This state-of-the-art facility is not restricted to cricketers alone. Shah mentioned his conversation with Neeraj Chopra, letting him know that the facility will be available for non-cricketers too. With three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs, the centre boasts every pitch type found at iconic stadiums worldwide. The idea is to give the Indian team a chance to practice in diverse conditions before international assignments.
Shah also pointed out missed opportunities from previous administrations. “In 2008, we got that land, and I don’t know why my predecessors didn’t use that. I am fortunate it was in my destiny to raise the academy. We had to run the National Cricket Academy (NCA) from the Chinnaswamy Stadium. We’re No.1 in finances, marketing, and cricket. If you look at the rankings, we are No. 1 in two formats and No. 2 in one format. Earlier we were No. 1 in all three formats.”
In addition to the Bengaluru centre, academies are being set up in all North-East states and Jammu. Shah stressed the BCCI’s responsibility in developing cricket in these regions.
. “It’s simple. They have got full membership, and they are part of the country. Opportunity is their right, and it is our responsibility too. Earlier they used to get Rs 5 crore, and now they are getting Rs 20 crore to run the game.”
There was some speculation about VVS Laxman’s continuity as the head of the NCA, whose contract was nearing its end. Shah confirmed that Laxman would continue with a renewed contract.
The BCCI is also evaluating the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shah stated, “We had a long chat about this in the recent meeting with the franchise owners. There are positives and negatives to it. The negative is that it affects all-rounders, but the positive is that it gives an opportunity to an extra Indian player. For me as an administrator, the game is important.”
Regarding the continuation of this rule in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Shah said a decision would be made soon. “We’ve addressed the issue of the Ranji Trophy games being affected by the weather last time.”
Shah also touched upon the Big Auction in the IPL. “We’ve heard the views of all the franchises. For us, a minority view is as important as the majority opinion. Ultimately, the office-bearers will decide.” The IPL is expected to feature 84 games in the upcoming season, but no final decision has been made yet.
A special fund for Test cricket is also on Shah’s agenda. “I am a member of F&CA (Finance and Commercial Affairs) of the ICC. I have suggested there should be a dedicated fund for Test cricket. It’s very expensive to host Test matches.”
Discussing the decline of Pink Ball Tests in India, Shah cited their tendency to end prematurely, disappointing fans and broadcasters. “Ultimately, we must look at their sentiments. As a fan, if you are buying a ticket for five days and the match ends in two days, there is no refund.”
Regarding a World Test Championship for women, Shah said it would be possible only when all nations start playing Test cricket. “The problem is, apart from India, Australia, and England, other teams are not playing Tests.”
Shah addressed the ongoing debate about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s participation in domestic competitions like the Duleep Trophy. “Apart from them, everyone else is playing. We should not insist on players like Rohit and Virat to play in the Duleep Trophy. They will risk injury.”
India, unlike some other nations, does not opt for different coaches for different formats. Shah explained, “We’ve to listen to the coach we recruit. Once we have selected Gautam Gambhir and if he is interested to coach in all three formats, who am I to say ‘you can’t coach a particular format’.”
On broadcasters and mergers, Shah mentioned, “My job is to ensure the growth of the game and increase the brand value of Indian cricket.” He further cited Sony’s competitive bid for bilateral rights as evidence of a healthy broadcasting ecosystem.