The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made the decision not to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. This announcement was made by Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, as he addressed journalists from the Times Group at their Mumbai office. Shah’s decision comes amidst a backdrop of unrest in Bangladesh, which had prompted the ICC to consider relocating the World Cup to India. However, Shah clarified the BCCI’s stance: “They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no.”
Shah provided further context by explaining the logistical and symbolic challenges India faces. “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,” he said.
In addition to declining the World Cup, Shah emphasized the importance of the upcoming home series against Bangladesh for the BCCI. With India hosting two Tests and three T20Is starting September 19, Shah stressed the significance of this series: “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.”
One of the major projects nearing completion is the High-Performance Centre in Bengaluru, a pet project of the BCCI. Slated for inauguration next month, this state-of-the-art facility will boast three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs. The centre’s unique feature is its ability to replicate pitches from famous stadiums worldwide, allowing the Indian team to practice on similar surfaces before any overseas assignment. “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 that. I am lucky that it was in my destiny to raise the academy,” said Shah.
Shah reiterated the BCCI’s commitment to developing cricket across India, including the states in the North-East region and Jammu. “They have got full membership and they are part of the country. Opportunity is their right and it is our responsibility too,” he declared.
Regarding the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shah also disclosed that VVS Laxman, the head of the NCA, will continue in his role despite his contract nearing expiration. “His contract will expire in September and there was speculation that the former India batsman will leave the Bengaluru facility. The BCCI will renew his contract.”
The BCCI is also analyzing the Impact Player rule implemented in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
. “We had a long chat about this in the recent meeting with the franchise owners. We had a long chat among our domestic teams also. There are positives and negatives to it. The negative is that it affects the all-rounders and the positive side is that it gives an opportunity to an extra Indian player,” said Shah. Decisions regarding whether this rule will continue in domestic competitions like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) are expected to be made soon.
Touching on the pivotal issue of the Big Auction in the IPL, Shah stated, “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 (of the BCCI) will decide.”
Regarding the future of the IPL, Shah indicated that while the league is expected to expand to 84 games in the coming season, nothing is set in stone. Similarly, the addition of a sixth Women’s Premier League (WPL) team remains under consideration.
Shah also highlighted the importance of Test cricket and proposed a dedicated fund for its survival. “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,” he explained.
Concerning India’s reluctance to play Pink Ball Tests at home, Shah said that day-night Tests in India tend to end too quickly. “Spectators and broadcasters are losing out,” he explained, emphasizing the need to cater to fan expectations.
When asked about women’s Test matches and the possibility of starting a World Test Championship for them, Shah noted that such an event would only be feasible when all cricket-playing nations participate in Test cricket. “The problem is, apart from India, Australia and England, other teams are not playing Tests,” he said.
There has also been debate about whether star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should participate in domestic competitions like the Duleep Trophy. Shah felt there was no need for them to participate, given the risk of injury and their value to the national team.
Lastly, on the subject of coaching, Shah dismissed the idea of separate coaches for different formats, emphasizing a unified approach under the current coaching leadership. “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’,” said Shah.
With the broadcasters like Viacom 18 and Disney Star potentially merging, the landscape may change, but Shah remained optimistic about the future. “My job is to ensure the growth of the game and increase the brand value of Indian cricket,” he concluded.