The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its firm decision not to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in India. This revelation came from Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, during an interaction with journalists at the Times Group office in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Addressing the growing concerns posed by the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh, Shah stated, “They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no.” The suggestion for India to host the World Cup came as an alternative due to the disturbances in Bangladesh. However, Shah clarified the BCCI’s position: “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.”
Focusing on the immediate future, Shah emphasized the importance of the forthcoming home series against Bangladesh. “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.” The series will kick off on September 19 and includes two Tests and three T20Is.
Looking beyond immediate cricketing events, the BCCI is gearing up for the inauguration of the High Performance Centre in Bengaluru. “After I took over as secretary in October of 2019, a lot of time was spent on managing the IPL due to the pandemic. The office was shut for two years. When we got the second term (in 2022), we decided to push this project forward. The foundation was laid in my first term,” Shah divulged.
The state-of-the-art facility will cater not only to cricketers but also to non-cricketers, as Shah mentioned to Neeraj Chopra recently. The centre will boast three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs representing various global conditions. “We wanted to make the best use of what we got on a platter. In 2008, we got that land and I don’t know why my predecessors didn’t use it. I am lucky that it was in my destiny to raise the academy,” Shah explained. This facility aims to offer the Indian team pre-tour practice conditions similar to those at venues like Brisbane’s Gabba and Durban’s Kingsmead.
Moreover, there are plans to establish cricket academies in the North-East region and Jammu. “Developing the game in the region is both their right and our responsibility,” said Shah. The BCCI has already increased funding from Rs 5 crore to Rs 20 crore to support these initiatives.
. Shah also confirmed that VVS Laxman would continue as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru with his contract set to be renewed in September.
Shah shed light on the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), indicating that its future is under review. “We had a long chat about this in the recent meeting with the franchise owners. The negative side is that it affects the all-rounders, and the positive side is that it gives an opportunity to an extra Indian player. We should also consider the broadcasters’ perspectives. For me as an administrator, the game is important. Let’s see what feedback we’re getting,” said Shah. A decision on whether the rule will continue in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) will be made within a week.
The BCCI is also deliberating on the Big Auction for the IPL. “We’ve heard the views of all the franchises. A minority opinion is as important to us as the majority opinion. Ultimately, the office-bearers of the BCCI will decide,” said Shah. The IPL is expected to expand to 84 games in the upcoming season, but this decision is not yet final.
Shah also discussed the importance of Test cricket, suggesting that a dedicated fund is necessary for its survival. “I am a member of the Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) of the ICC. I have suggested there should be a dedicated fund for Test cricket. It’s very expensive to host Test matches,” he reiterated. Shah further explained India’s reluctance to host Pink Ball Tests, noting that day-night Tests in India often conclude within two days, which is not favorable for spectators and broadcasters.
On the topic of women’s Test matches and a possible World Test Championship for women, Shah emphasized the need for broader participation from other nations. “The problem is, apart from India, Australia, and England, other teams are not playing Tests,” he noted.
Lastly, Shah addressed why top stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not participating in the Duleep Trophy, asserting that it is imperative to treat players with respect and avoid injury risks. He also indicated that while India is not keen on having different coaches for different formats, the BCCI is contemplating recruiting a mental conditioning trainer for the team.
In response to potential mergers between major broadcasters like Viacom 18 and Disney Star, Shah expressed confidence in the market dynamics. “My job is to ensure the growth of the game and increase the brand value of Indian cricket. The broadcasters come automatically,” he concluded.
The BCCI continues to strategize and take decisive steps to navigate the complexities of modern cricket, keeping the game’s growth and the players’ well-being at the forefront of its plans.