The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly decided against hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in India. This revelation came directly from Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, during an interaction with Times Group journalists at the TOI Mumbai office on Wednesday. Shah was categorical in his stance: “They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no,” he stated.
This issue arose amid ongoing disturbances in Bangladesh, leading the ICC to consider alternative venues. In light of this, India was under consideration as a possible host for the T20 World Cup. Explaining BCCI’s stance, Shah cited the logistical difficulties of the monsoon season and the already scheduled hosting of the women’s ODI World Cup next year. “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 elaborated.
Upcoming Series and Facilities
Shifting the focus to domestic engagements, Shah emphasized the significance of the upcoming home series against Bangladesh for 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,” said Shah. The series, set to start from September 19, will feature two Tests and three T20Is.
In terms of infrastructure development, the High Performance Centre in Bengaluru is nearing completion and is scheduled for inauguration next month. “After I took over as the secretary in October of 2019 October, 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 that we have to take this project forward. The foundation was laid in my first term,” Shah detailed.
The state-of-the-art facility will cater not only to cricketers but also to other athletes, as Shah recently conveyed to Neeraj Chopra. The centre boasts three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs simulating various global pitch conditions. This facility allows the Indian cricket team to practice on surfaces resembling those found in stadiums globally, like the Gabba or Kingsmead.
Expanding Cricket in North-East India and Jammu
Shah highlighted ongoing efforts to develop cricket in the North-East regions and Jammu. He asserted that it is both the right of these regions and BCCI’s responsibility to offer equal opportunities. “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 pointed out.
Key Appointments and Rules
Shah confirmed that VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), will continue in his role, with his contract due for renewal soon. “VVS Laxman will continue with us at the NCA. His work has been critical and we look forward to his ongoing contribution,” Shah maintained.
Additionally, the BCCI is weighing the pros and cons of the Impact Player rule in the IPL, a rule that allows substitution during a match. Discussions about whether this rule should continue in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) domestic competition are ongoing. Shah noted, “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.”
IPL Auctions and Future Plans
Addressing the IPL’s Big Auction, Shah emphasized the BCCI’s effort to balance minority and majority opinions within the franchises. “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. Those who have a good side said there is no need for the big auction and those without a good side wanted the big auction.”
The upcoming IPL season is expected to feature 84 games, although Shah mentioned that a final decision is pending. A similar wait-and-watch approach is being adopted for adding a sixth team to the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Special Fund and Test Cricket
Shah underscored the need for a dedicated fund for Test cricket, citing the high costs of hosting longer format matches. “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 also explained India’s decision to avoid hosting Pink Ball Tests at home due to their propensity to end prematurely, often in two days, affecting spectators and broadcasters.
Developing Women’s Cricket
Regarding the expansion of women’s Test cricket, Shah stated that a World Test Championship would only be feasible when all cricket-playing nations participate in the longer format. “The problem is, apart from India, Australia and England, other teams are not playing Tests,” he remarked.
Finally, Shah addressed speculation about players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli participating in the Duleep Trophy. “We should not insist on players like Rohit and Virat to play in the Duleep Trophy. They will risk injury.”
Overall, Shah’s insights provide a comprehensive look into the future strategies and commitments of the BCCI, highlighting their plans to develop cricket infrastructure, focus on key series, and consider significant policy changes.