In a crucial development for Indian cricket, Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced that India will not be hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. During an extensive interaction with Times Group journalists in Mumbai, Shah clarified the BCCI’s stance. “They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no,” he confirmed.
This revelation comes amidst ongoing disturbances in Bangladesh, putting India on the consideration list for relocating the World Cup. Shah elaborated, “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 emphasized the importance of the upcoming home series against Bangladesh 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,” he stated. The series, set to start on September 19, includes two Tests and three T20Is.
A significant highlight of Shah’s vision is the near-completion of the High Performance Centre in Bengaluru, a flagship project of the BCCI. “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 explained.
This state-of-the-art facility, which includes three grounds and 100 pitches, boasts unique features. “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. It was unfortunate that we had to run the National Cricket Academy (NCA) from the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” he remarked. The centre will also have pitches replicating conditions from various international grounds, thus enhancing practice sessions for overseas assignments.
Shah explained that the facility will be available for non-cricketers too, providing broader sporting opportunities. He shared this news with Neeraj Chopra during a recent meeting.
Moreover, the BCCI plans to establish academies across all states in the North-East region and Jammu. Shah underlined the responsibility of the BCCI to develop the game in these 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,” he stated.
In terms of leadership continuity, Shah confirmed that VVS Laxman, the head of the NCA, will see his contract renewed. There was speculation about his departure after his contract’s expiration in September, but the BCCI decided to retain him.
The much-talked-about Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is under scrutiny. Shah disclosed, “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 should think about the broadcasters also.”
Shah revealed that the decision to include the Impact Player rule in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) would be made within a week. Addressing concerns about match timings and weather affecting games, he reassured, “There are so many matches to be conducted. We ensure each team gets an equal number of morning and night matches.”
On the topic of the Big Auction in the IPL, Shah noted the importance of balancing minority and majority opinions from franchise owners. “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 will decide. Those who have a good side said there is no need for the big auction, and those without one wanted it.”
Shah also touched on the future scheduling of the IPL, which is expected to expand to 84 games, and the possibility of adding a sixth team to the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Turning his attention to Test cricket, Shah proposed the creation of a special 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 said.
Shah explained why India no longer hosts Pink Ball Tests, citing their tendency to conclude in just two days, which affects spectators and broadcasters. He also addressed the possibility of starting a World Test Championship for women, which hinges on more nations playing Test cricket.
Lastly, Shah discussed future coaching strategies, indicating that India will not opt for different coaches for different formats. He reassured, “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’.” Additionally, Shah revealed that a mental conditioning trainer, potentially a domestic professional, is under consideration for the national team.