In a recent interaction with journalists from the Times Group, Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), revealed the board’s strategic priorities and plans for the future. Shah emphasized the importance of the upcoming Bangladesh series, discussed the board’s decision to decline hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, and shared insights into the development of new cricket facilities and the future of Test cricket.
Focus on the Bangladesh Series
Jay Shah highlighted the significance of the forthcoming home series against Bangladesh, which will feature two Tests and three T20 Internationals. The series, set to begin on September 19, holds substantial importance for the BCCI. Shah explained that the board has not yet engaged in discussions with the newly formed government in Bangladesh but expressed intentions to reach out. “The Bangladesh series is very important to us,” Shah stated, underscoring the board’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral cricket ties.
Declining to Host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
In a notable revelation, Shah confirmed that India will not host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Despite being approached by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the tournament, the BCCI declined the offer. Shah cited the ongoing monsoon season and the board’s focus on hosting the Women’s ODI World Cup next year as key reasons for the decision. “I have categorically said no,” Shah asserted, adding that the BCCI did not want to give any impression of overextending itself by hosting consecutive World Cups.
New Facilities and the High-Performance Centre
The BCCI’s ambitious infrastructure projects also took center stage during the interaction. Shah revealed that the High-Performance Centre in Bengaluru, one of the BCCI’s key projects, is nearing completion and will be inaugurated next month. The state-of-the-art facility, which boasts three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs, will be available for cricketers and non-cricketers alike. Shah mentioned that the facility’s diverse pitches, modeled after those at iconic stadiums around the world, will help Indian players prepare for overseas assignments.
In addition to the Bengaluru facility, Shah also announced the development of cricket academies in all states of the North-East region and Jammu. He emphasized the BCCI’s commitment to promoting cricket in these regions, noting that the board has significantly increased financial support to help develop the sport.
Future of Test Cricket and the Impact Player Rule
Shah expressed his concern for the future of Test cricket and revealed that the BCCI is pushing for a dedicated fund within the ICC to support the longest format of the game. “Test cricket is very expensive to host, and we’re trying to create a special fund for it,” Shah said, highlighting the financial challenges involved in sustaining the format.
He also addressed the ongoing debate over the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While acknowledging both the positives and negatives of the rule, Shah noted that the BCCI is still evaluating its impact on the game. “We had a long chat about this in the recent meeting with the franchise owners,” he shared, adding that the final decision on whether the rule will continue in domestic competitions like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will be made soon.
Continuity in Leadership and Coaching
Shah confirmed that VVS Laxman will continue as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Laxman’s contract, which expires in September, will be renewed, ensuring continuity in the NCA’s leadership. Shah also reiterated the BCCI’s stance on not splitting coaching roles across formats, stating that the board respects the preferences of appointed coaches like Gautam Gambhir.
Final Thoughts
Jay Shah’s interaction with the media offered a comprehensive overview of the BCCI’s current strategies and future plans. From prioritizing key bilateral series to enhancing cricket infrastructure and ensuring the survival of Test cricket, the BCCI under Shah’s leadership appears committed to maintaining India’s dominance in the global cricketing landscape. With significant projects like the High-Performance Centre nearing completion and strategic decisions being made regarding player contracts and tournament hosting, the BCCI is poised to continue its influential role in the world of cricket.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
