The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not be hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in India. Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, made this clear 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 question arose due to the ongoing disturbances in Bangladesh, leading the ICC to consider India as a potential alternative for the event. Shah elaborated on 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.”
He emphasized the importance of the upcoming home series against Bangladesh. “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, slated to start on September 19, includes two Tests and three T20Is.
### New Facilities and Academies
One of the BCCI’s flagship projects, the High Performance Centre in Bengaluru, is nearing completion and will be inaugurated next month. Shah, who took over as BCCI secretary in October 2019, explained that his initial term was significantly spent organizing the IPL due to the pandemic. “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.”
The state-of-the-art facility will also be made available for non-cricketers. Shah recently conveyed this to Neeraj Chopra, highlighting that the center will feature three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs. A standout feature is its diverse pitches, replicating conditions from global venues like the Gabba in Brisbane and Kingsmead in Durban. This allows the Indian team to practice on similar surfaces before international tours.
“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 utilize it. I am lucky that it was in my destiny to raise the academy,” Shah stated. He added that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) was functioning from the Chinnaswamy Stadium until now, which wasn’t ideal. “We’re No. 1 in finances, No. 1 in marketing, and No. 1 in cricket. If you look at the rankings, we are No. 1 in two formats and No.
. 2 in one format. Earlier we were No. 1 in all three formats.”
Academies are also being established in the northeastern states and Jammu. Shah emphasized the BCCI’s duty to develop the game in these regions. “They have full membership and are part of the country. Opportunity is their right, and it is our responsibility. Earlier they used to get Rs 5 crore; now they are getting Rs 20 crore to run the game.”
### Continuation of the Impact Player Rule
The BCCI is critically evaluating the pros and cons of the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shah mentioned, “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. The negative is that it affects all-rounders, but the positive is it gives an opportunity to an extra Indian player.” A decision regarding its inclusion in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) will be made in a week.
### IPL’s Big Auction and Expansion
Addressing the issue of the Big Auction in the IPL, Shah noted that both minority and majority views are considered important. “We’ve heard the views of all the franchises. For us, a minority view is as important as the majority opinion. Those who have a good side said there is no need for the big auction, while those without a good side wanted it.”
The IPL is expected to feature 84 games in the upcoming season, though a final decision is pending. “Nothing is confirmed. We will collectively decide, considering the players’ workload and the available window.” Similarly, while discussions are happening for a sixth Women’s Premier League (WPL) team, a final call will be made only when confident of integrating more women players.
### Test Cricket and Future Plans
Shah advocated for a dedicated fund for Test cricket’s survival. “Test matches are very expensive to host. Discussions are underway at the ICC, and if the Board approves, we will create a special fund.”
He also explained why Pink Ball Tests are no longer played in India, noting that day-night Tests typically end within two days. “Spectators and broadcasters lose out. As a fan, if you buy a ticket for five days and the match ends in two, there is no refund.”
Regarding the prospect of a World Test Championship for women, Shah remarked that it could only become feasible when more countries start playing Tests. “Apart from India, Australia, and England, other teams are not yet playing Tests consistently.”
Shah concluded by addressing domestic cricket participation and coaching roles, clarifying that star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were not asked to play in the Duleep Trophy to avoid injury risks, and discussing the potential recruitment of a mental conditioning trainer for the team.