India

We’re Trying To Create A special Fund For Test cricket, Says Jay Shah

New Delhi, Aug 15: Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), revealed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is discussing a special fund to support the future of Test cricket.

“I am part of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee. I have proposed a dedicated fund for Test cricket. Hosting Test matches is costly. If the ICC Board agrees, we can establish this fund. We are working to create this special fund for Test cricket,” Shah told The Times of India.

Concerns Over Day-Night Tests and Their Impact

He also explained why India doesn’t host many Day-Night Tests, noting that these matches often end in just two days, which affects spectators and broadcasters. India has hosted three Day-Night Tests at home, all of which ended in less than three days. The most recent was against Sri Lanka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru in March 2022, where India won by 238 runs.

“Spectators and broadcasters lose out. We have to consider their interests too. As a fan, if you buy a five-day ticket and the match ends in two days, there’s no refund. I feel strongly about that issue,” Shah said.

When asked about some Test matches ending quickly, Shah responded, “It doesn’t happen often. If it does, and the opposition plays poorly, what can I do? When our players perform well, I can’t ask them to make the match last longer.”

Discussion on World Test Championship for Women’s Cricket

Regarding the possibility of a World Test Championship for women’s cricket, Shah stated it would only be feasible when all countries start playing the longer format. “It’s only possible when all countries play Test cricket. Currently, only India, Australia, and England regularly play Tests. New Zealand and South Africa have recently started, and progress will come when all nations join in.”

On the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shah said discussions are ongoing with franchise owners and domestic teams. “There are pros and cons. The negative is it affects all-rounders, while the positive is it allows an extra Indian player. We should also consider the broadcasters. For me, the game’s growth is key. We are waiting for more feedback.”

He concluded by addressing the upcoming mega auctions. “We have listened to all franchises. The minority view matters as much as the majority. Ultimately, the BCCI office-bearers will decide. Franchises with strong teams oppose a big auction, while others want it. Balance and continuity are vital for the game’s growth.”

Also Read: PR Sreejesh Looks To Rahul Dravid As Inspiration For Coaching Career

Ajaypal Choudhary

Recent Posts

Indian Embassy In Berlin Holds Memorial For Pahalgam Terror Victims

The Indian Embassy in Berlin organised a solemn memorial service to honour the victims of…

49 mins ago

Joe Jonas Reflects On Disconnecting From Technology And Reliving Childhood

Pop star Joe Jonas recently performed his latest single, Heart by Heart, to a phone-free…

55 mins ago

Chennai Super Kings’ Struggles Continue As Sunrisers Hyderabad Secure Crucial Win

CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has openly acknowledged the team's ongoing struggles in the 2025…

1 hour ago

Supreme Court Confirms Disruption In Digital Services Due To National Government Cloud Outage

The Supreme Court announced on Saturday that a disruption in the National Government Cloud (NGC)…

1 hour ago

India Responds To Ceasefire Violations After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, Pakistan has escalated tensions by…

1 hour ago

India’s Forex Reserves Reach Five-Month High; Signalling Economic Strength

India’s foreign exchange reserves have surged to $686.14 billion the highest level since November 2024…

2 hours ago