The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided against hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in India. This revelation was made by Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, during an interaction with journalists from the Times Group at the TOI’s Mumbai office earlier this week. Shah said, “They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no.” His statement comes amid disturbances in Bangladesh, making India a potential alternative for hosting the event.
Explaining the BCCI’s stance, Shah highlighted the ongoing monsoon season and elaborated on the scheduling conflicts. “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 added. With the international cricket schedule getting increasingly crowded, the BCCI has been selective in picking its commitments to avoid creating logistical nightmares.
Of significant importance to the BCCI is the upcoming home series against Bangladesh. Shah asserted the series’s priority, stating, “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 see India face Bangladesh in two Test matches and three T20 Internationals.
In terms of infrastructure development, the BCCI has made substantial progress with the High Performance Centre in Bengaluru, which will be inaugurated next month. The centre, a pet project for the BCCI, will boast state-of-the-art facilities, including three grounds and 100 pitches, with 45 indoor turfs. Shah proudly noted, “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.”
A unique feature of the new centre will be the variety of pitches mimicking those from around the world, such as those at the Gabba in Brisbane and Kingsmead in Durban. This allows the Indian team to practice on surfaces identical to those they will encounter on overseas tours.
The expansion doesn’t stop here. Shah outlined plans to develop academies in all the north-eastern states and Jammu. Emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, Shah said, “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.” Financial support for these regions has also increased significantly, from Rs 5 crore to Rs 20 crore, to better facilitate the growth of the game.
On administrative matters, Shah confirmed VVS Laxman’s continued role at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) upon contract renewal, dispelling speculation about his departure. Shah also touched upon the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), revealing that discussions are ongoing regarding its pros and cons. “We had a long chat about this in the recent meeting with the franchise owners and our domestic teams. There are positives and negatives,” he noted.
There has also been much debate about the upcoming Big Auction in the IPL. Shah mentioned that the BCCI values both minority and majority opinions equally. “We’ve heard the views of all the franchises. Continuity is as important as shuffling for the growth of the game,” he added, underscoring the balanced approach the BCCI aims to take.
Plans for the IPL include the possibility of an 84-game season, although Shah stressed that the final decision is yet to be made. Similarly, no definitive call has been taken on introducing a sixth team to the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Shah also discussed the idea of creating a special fund for Test cricket to ensure its survival, given the high costs of hosting Test matches. “I have suggested there should be a dedicated fund for Test cricket. It’s very expensive to host Test matches. If the (ICC) Board approves, we can do that,” he said.
Touching on the lack of Pink Ball Tests at home, Shah explained that day-night matches in India tend to end quickly, leading to losses for spectators and broadcasters. “Spectators and broadcasters are losing out,” he stated, adding, “Ultimately, we have to look at their sentiments also.”
Regarding women’s Test matches and the possibility of a Women’s World Test Championship, Shah remarked that such an event could only take place when more countries start playing the format consistently. Currently, apart from India, Australia, and England, other teams lag in terms of consistent participation in women’s Tests.
Finally, addressing the topic of international players participating in domestic competitions like the Duleep Trophy, Shah mentioned that players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are often spared to avoid injury. “We should not insist on players like Rohit and Virat to play in the Duleep Trophy. They will risk injury,” he asserted.
The BCCI continues to maintain its comprehensive approach towards the growth of cricket in India, balancing infrastructural projects, international engagements, and the development of regional cricketing talent.