In a significant decision, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declined the opportunity to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in India. This development was confirmed by Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, in a candid interaction with the Times Group journalists at the Times of India’s Mumbai office on Wednesday. Shah’s statement comes amidst ongoing disturbances in Bangladesh, which had initially prompted the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider alternative venues for the tournament.
“They [ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no,” Shah stated. Elaborating on the BCCI’s standpoint, Shah mentioned the complications posed by India’s monsoon season and additional commitments. “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 explained, underlying the logistical challenges and potential misinterpretations of India’s cricketing calendar.
The secretary underscored the significance of the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, which holds substantial 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.” The series, scheduled to kick off on September 19, entails two Tests and three T20Is.
Meanwhile, the BCCI’s High Performance Centre in Bengaluru, a brainchild of the board, is nearing completion and set to be inaugurated next month. “After I took over as the secretary in October 2019, a lot of time went towards holding the IPL because of 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,” Shah shared.
This state-of-the-art facility will extend its privileges to non-cricketers as well, which Shah emphasized during his recent meeting with India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra. The centre will boast three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs, with surfaces replicating conditions from famous cricket stadiums like the Gabba in Brisbane and Kingsmead in Durban. This feature will allow Indian cricketers to prepare on varied pitch types before heading on overseas tours.
The BCCI continues to push its development initiatives in cricket, planning new academies in the North-East and Jammu. Shah highlighted the crucial role of the BCCI in ensuring equal opportunities for all 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.
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In personnel updates, Shah stated that VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), will continue in his role beyond September when his contract expires. The board intends to renew his contract, quelling speculation about his departure from the Bengaluru facility.
Shah also shared insights on the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), a topic of debate among stakeholders. “We had a long chat about this in the recent meeting with the franchise owners and among our domestic teams. 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. We also need to consider the broadcasters. As an administrator, the game’s integrity is important to me. Let’s see what feedback we get.”
Regarding the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and morning match schedules, Shah acknowledged the logistical demands of the domestic calendar. “There are so many matches to be conducted. We make sure each team gets an equal number of morning and night matches. We’ve addressed the issue of the Ranji Trophy games being affected by the weather. We will hold games after winter in the North while in the East and West the games will be held before the winter.”
Touching on the IPL’s Big Auction, Shah noted that the BCCI considers all opinions equally, whether from majority or minority factions. “We’ve heard the views of all the franchises. A minority view is as important as a majority opinion for us. Ultimately the office-bearers (of the BCCI) will decide.
The IPL is expected to feature 84 games from the forthcoming season, though this decision isn’t final. “Nothing is confirmed. We will decide collectively, factoring in the players’ workload and available window,” Shah asserted. Additionally, he mentioned that the issue of adding a sixth Women’s Premier League (WPL) team remains undecided until a confident decision can be made about the pool of women players.
On the subject of Test cricket, Shah advocated for the creation of a special fund dedicated to this longest format during discussions at the ICC. “Hosting Test matches is very expensive. If the (ICC) Board approves, we can create this fund.”
Shah also provided reasoning for India abstaining from Pink Ball Tests at home, citing two-day matches’ adverse effects on spectators and broadcasters. Furthermore, Shah discussed the possibility of a World Test Championship for women, which depends on more nations initiating women’s Test cricket. Lastly, Shah defended the absence of star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from domestic tournaments like the Duleep Trophy, stressing the risk of injuries and the selective participation trend in international cricket.