The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that it will not be hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in India. This decision was made public by 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 revealed, “They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no.”
The inquiry about India hosting the event arose due to the ongoing disturbances in Bangladesh, which led the ICC to consider relocating the tournament. India emerged as a potential alternative, but Shah clarified the BCCI’s stance. “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 explained.
Shah emphasized that the upcoming home series against Bangladesh holds significant 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.” India is set to play two Tests and three T20Is in the forthcoming series, commencing on September 19.
In addition to addressing the World Cup issue, Shah provided insights into the progress of new facilities and academies. One notable development is the High Performance Centre in Bengaluru, which has been a significant project for the BCCI. The facility is nearing completion and is scheduled to be inaugurated next month. “After I took over as the secretary in October of 2019, a lot of time was directed 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 advance this project further. The foundation was laid in my first term,” Shah elaborated.
This state-of-the-art centre will be accessible to non-cricketers as well. Shah mentioned his recent conversation with Neeraj Chopra about making the facility available for all. The centre will feature three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs. A unique aspect is that the centre will incorporate various pitch types from around the world, such as those encountered at Brisbane’s Gabba and Durban’s Kingsmead. This variety will enable the Indian team to practise on diverse surfaces before heading for overseas assignments.
“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 fortunate that it was in my destiny to raise the academy. It was unfortunate that we had to run the National Cricket Academy (NCA) from the Chinnaswamy Stadium. We’re No. 1 in finances, No. 1 in marketing, and we’re No. 1 in cricket also. If you look at the ranking, we are No. 1 in two formats and No. 2 in one format. Earlier we were No. 1 in all three formats,” Shah stated.
Additionally, academies are being established across the North-East region and Jammu. Shah reiterated the obligation to develop cricket in these regions, stating, “It’s simple. They have full membership and 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 receiving Rs 20 crore to run the game.
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Shah also confirmed that VVS Laxman will continue as the head of the NCA. His contract, set to expire in September, will be renewed despite speculation of his departure.
On the topic of the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shah indicated that the BCCI is examining its pros and cons. “We had an extensive discussion with franchise owners and our domestic teams. There are positives and negatives. The negative is that it affects all-rounders, but the positive is that it provides an opportunity to an extra Indian player. We should consider the broadcasters too. For me as an administrator, the game is important. Let’s see what feedback we’re getting,” he said.
Regarding the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Shah mentioned that a decision on continuing the rule would be made soon. He also addressed teams’ struggles with early start times, explaining, “There are so many matches to be conducted. We ensure each team gets an equal number of morning and night matches. We addressed the issue of Ranji Trophy games being affected by weather last time. We will hold games after winter in the North, while in the East and West, games will be before the winter.”
Shah also touched upon the upcoming Big Auction in the IPL, emphasizing that equal importance will be given to minority opinions as much as majority views. “We’ve heard all franchise views. For us, a minority view is as important as the majority opinion. Ultimately the BCCI office-bearers will decide.”
He hinted at possible expansion to 84 games in the next season, but clarified that nothing is confirmed yet. “Nothing is finalized. We will collectively decide, factoring in the players’ workload and the available window.”
Special emphasis was also placed on the viability and future of Test cricket. Shah is advocating for a dedicated fund for Test matches through the ICC. “I am part of the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA). I have suggested a dedicated fund for Test cricket. It’s very expensive to host Test matches. If the (ICC) Board approves, we can create this fund.”
Explaining India’s stance on Pink Ball Tests, Shah cited logistical and audience issues. “Day-night Tests in India tend to end in two days. Spectators and broadcasters are affected, as there are no refunds for prematurely concluded matches. This is an emotional issue for me.”
As for the possibility of women’s Test cricket or a World Test Championship, Shah mentioned the need for more countries to regularly play Test matches. “This can only happen when all nations are involved. Apart from India, Australia, and England, other teams do not play Tests regularly. The situation will improve when all countries start playing Tests.”
Lastly, Shah clarified why star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were not asked to participate in domestic tournaments like the Duleep Trophy. “Apart from them, everyone else is playing. They risk injury if required to play more. They must be treated with respect.”
Concluding, Shah mentioned the potential merger between Viacom 18 and Disney Star, which may impact future broadcasting rights negotiations. However, he was optimistic about maintaining competitive value. “Our goal is to ensure the growth of the game and enhance Indian cricket’s brand value. Broadcasters will follow automatically.”