BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Explains Why India Won't Host Pink Ball Test Matches

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said pink ball Test matches often conclude within two days in India, leading to financial losses for both viewers and broadcasters.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has expressed his opposition to day-night Test matches.

Source : PTI

Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has expressed his opposition to day-night Test matches. In an exclusive interview at the Times of India office in Mumbai, Shah explained that pink ball Tests have not been scheduled for the upcoming season, citing that these matches often conclude within two days in India, leading to financial losses for both viewers and broadcasters.

India has played four day-night Test matches so far, with three of these held on home soil and one abroad. All of these matches concluded in under three days.

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"No, there are no provisions. Pink-ball Tests get over within two days in India. As a result, spectators lose money, broadcasters lose money. We need to look at sentiments also. As a fan, you go to a cricket match and buy a ticket for five days, but the game gets over within two-three days. There is no refund. So, I am slightly emotional in this case," Jay Shah told the Times of India.

Reports had suggested that the Women's T20 World Cup might be moved to India due to ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh. However, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the proposal to host the tournament in India was firmly rejected. The Women's T20 World Cup is still set to take place in Bangladesh from October 3 to October 20.

"They (ICC) had asked the BCCI if they can host the event, but I flatly refused. We would be still in the monsoon season and next year, we are going to host the ODI Women’s World Cup (2025). I do not want to give the impression that I want to host consecutive World Cups," Jay Shah said in an interview with the Times of India.

Following BCCI's refusal, ICC may consider Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as an alternative venue for Women's T20 World Cup.