The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not be hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in India, as recently disclosed by Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI. This announcement came during an interaction with Times Group journalists at the TOI’s Mumbai office on Wednesday. According to Shah, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had approached the BCCI to see if they would be willing to host the World Cup. “They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no,” Shah confirmed.
The question regarding India’s potential hosting arose due to ongoing disturbances in Bangladesh, prompting the ICC to consider relocating the World Cup. Shah explained the BCCI’s stance, emphasizing the impracticality of hosting back-to-back World Cups. “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.
Shah also underscored 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 stressed. Scheduled to begin on September 19, India will compete in two Tests and three T20Is in this crucial series.
Beyond immediate cricket concerns, Shah detailed ongoing and upcoming developments, including the near-completion of the High Performance Centre in Bengaluru. This project is set for inauguration next month and includes three grounds and 100 pitches, 45 of which are indoor turfs. Remarkably, the centre will feature pitches modeled after those at iconic international stadiums like the Gabba in Brisbane and Kingsmead in Durban. This facility aims to allow Indian teams to practice on similar surfaces before overseas tours. Shah revealed the project’s origins and motivations: “After I took over as the secretary in October of 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 that we have to take this project forward.”
Shah sees the High Performance Centre as a significant milestone and criticized his predecessors for not utilizing the 2008-acquired land sooner. “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.” He added that similar academies would be established across all states in the North-East region and Jammu, describing it as both a right and a responsibility to the associated states. Budgets for these states have significantly increased from Rs 5 crore to Rs 20 crore.
On another front, Shah confirmed that VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), will continue his role despite his contract expiring in September. The BCCI plans to renew his contract amid speculation about his departure from the Bengaluru facility.
Regarding the controversial Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shah acknowledged that there are varying opinions. “We had a long chat about this in the recent meeting with the franchise owners. The negative is that it affects the all-rounders, and the positive side is that it gives an opportunity to an extra Indian player,” explained Shah. A final decision on the rule’s inclusion in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) will be made soon.
The article also touched upon the sensitive subject of the Big Auction in the IPL. Speaking on this, Shah stressed the importance of considering both minority and majority opinions. “For us a minority view is as important as the majority opinion. Ultimately the office-bearers (of the BCCI) will decide,” he noted. The IPL’s format and the possible introduction of a sixth Women’s Premier League (WPL) team were also discussed.
In an effort to sustain Test cricket, Shah proposed a dedicated fund at the ICC. “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 explained.
Addressing concerns about the lack of day-night Test matches in India, Shah attributed it to the tendency of these matches to end prematurely. “As a fan, if you are buying a ticket for five days and if the match ends in two days, there is no refund. I am very emotional about that issue,” he confessed.
Regarding the prospects for women’s Test matches and a potential Women’s World Test Championship, Shah expressed that it would only be feasible when more countries start playing Test cricket. “The problem is, apart from India, Australia, and England, other teams are not playing Tests,” he said.
Finally, Shah defended the decision not to include star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Duleep Trophy, citing the risk of injury. “Apart from them, everyone else is playing. You should appreciate that,” he emphasized.
Shah also provided insight into BCCI’s approach toward coaching across different formats and the possibility of hiring a mental conditioning coach, potentially a non-foreigner. Additionally, he expressed confidence in the stability of broadcasting rights, despite potential mergers like the anticipated Viacom 18 and Disney Star merger.
“My job is to ensure the growth of the game and increase the brand value of Indian cricket. As it happens, the broadcasters come automatically,” Shah concluded.
With critical decisions and strategic initiatives on the horizon, Jay Shah’s remarks indicate a proactive and thoughtful approach toward maintaining and elevating the standard of cricket in India.