In an exclusive interview, Jay Shah, the influential BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) secretary, shared insights with Harsh Vardhan Goenka, an industrialist and cricket enthusiast, at the board’s headquarters at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Shah highlighted his tenure’s major achievements, notably conducting the 2020 IPL in the UAE amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed optimism about India’s prospects in the 2024 T20 World Cup following the team’s recent ODI final loss.
“As BCCI Secretary, My Role is to Empower Experts”
Shah underscored the significance of experience alongside form in selecting the T20 World Cup squad, stating, “The selectors can’t choose on the basis of IPL performance alone, as overseas experience is also necessary.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Shah emphasized the monumental task of hosting the 2020 IPL during a global crisis. “The Olympics, EPL, and French Open had already been postponed or canceled. We demonstrated to the world what BCCI could achieve,” he remarked.
Addressing IPL Criticisms and Innovations
Regarding criticisms of the IPL’s impact player rule, Shah responded, “It’s a test case. We are consulting players, franchises, and all concerned. If our consultations reveal dissatisfaction, we will change it.”
He also addressed concerns about IPL pitches being too batting-friendly, asserting, “I don’t quite agree. The pitches are very good, created transparently, and overseen by BCCI’s central curator.”
Achievements and Future Plans
Among Shah’s notable achievements is strengthening the National Cricket Academy, with substantial investments leading to a world-class facility set to open soon. He also highlighted the successful restructuring of the IPL broadcasting bidding process, significantly boosting revenues.
On women’s cricket, Shah shared his vision behind the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and the push for pay parity, which has since been adopted by the ICC for the Women’s World Cup. “We made the entrance free for the women’s series against Australia in Navi Mumbai, and we got a full house,” he noted.
Optimism for the Future
Looking ahead, Shah expressed confidence in India’s chances at the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing a well-balanced team. “The squad has a good balance between form and experience,” he said, emphasizing the importance of overseas experience.
Managing Responsibilities and Talent Spotting
Shah described his collaborative approach with BCCI President Roger Binny, where cricketing decisions are Binny’s domain, while Shah handles administration and finance. He also detailed BCCI’s talent-spotting process, which includes empowering state associations and providing comprehensive training at the National Cricket Academy.
Final Thoughts
Shah concluded with reflections on his management philosophy and inspirations, stressing the importance of transparency and the influence of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings.
“Put the right people to oversee the game and maintain transparency in financial matters. I am inspired by Swami Vivekananda – ‘Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is achieved’,” he shared.
