Cricket

Rohit Sharma, the former captain of India's T20 team, has expressed his gratitude towards Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar, and Jay Shah for their unwavering support during his tenure. He acknowledged their backing in his endeavor to bring out the best in his players without being overly concerned about the outcomes. This approach ultimately led to India's triumphant campaign in the T20 World Cup.India's journey in the ICC tournament culminated in a resounding victory against South Africa in the final, held in Barbados. This marked their second T20 world title, with the first being clinched in 2007. Rohit, who spearheaded the team's success, also announced his retirement from the shortest format following this remarkable achievement."It was my dream to transform this team and not worry too much about the stats, the results, to make sure that we create that environment where people can go out there and play freely without thinking too much," Rohit said, as quoted by PTI, after being named the men's international cricketer of the year at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards."That is what was required. I got a lot of help from my three pillars, who are actually Mr Jay Shah, Mr Rahul Dravid (and the) chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar," he said."That was very critical for me to do what I did and obviously not to forget the players, who came in at different points in time and helped the team to achieve what we achieved," he said.Rohit expressed that the feeling of winning the World Cup, which ended India's decade-long drought in global tournaments, was beyond words to describe."(It was) a feeling that cannot come everyday. It was something that we were really hoping for. When we won the World Cup, it was important for all of us to enjoy the moment which we did pretty well and thanks to our nation as well for celebrating with us," he said."As much as it meant for us, it meant a whole lot to the entire nation as well. It felt really great to bring it (trophy) back home here and celebrate with everyone here.""(It is a) fantastic feeling that can never be put out in words. I don't think it's a feeling that can be expressed. It won't do justice to our effect when all that happened," Rohit said.The Mumbaikar mentioned that he doesn't worry about the exact weight of a bat, instead preferring to go by how it feels in his hands."The guys who spend time with me in the changing room where I put my stickers and I put the bat tape and all that, will tell you (that) whichever bat I pick up, I go and play with that," he said."The balance of the bat for me is very important. I have seen a lot of guys who are pretty much into 'how many grains the bat has', 'what is the weight of the bat' and 'how does it look from outside', but I am not that kind of a person. I will pick up the bat and if I feel this is the right bat, I will go and play with that," he said.Despite leading the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles as captain, Rohit's hunger to add more trophies to his collection remains insatiable."There is a reason I won five IPL trophies. I'm not going to stop, because once you get the taste of winning games, winning Cups, you don't want to stop and we'll keep pushing as a team. We'll keep striving for better things in the future," he said.As an extension, he wanted more success with India too as their ODI and Test leader."We've got a couple of solid tours coming up, very challenging ones as well. For us, it never stops. Once you achieve something you always look forward to achieving more.""That is what I will be doing. I'm pretty sure my teammates will be thinking on the same line. What I've seen in the last two years in Indian cricket, there's some real excitement, some real good cricket is being played," he added.

Greg Barclay, the current chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has announced that he will not seek a third term after his tenure ends on November 30. This has sparked speculation about the future of BCCI secretary Jay Shah at the ICC.Shah, who is considered one of the most influential figures in the ICC boardroom, is currently the head of the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee. He enjoys a lot of goodwill with most of the 16 voting members.As per ICC rules, the chairman's election comprises of 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) required for the winner. Earlier, a two-third majority was required.Current directors are required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by August 27, 2024. If there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on December 1, 2024.Shah has one year left as the BCCI secretary before going on a mandatory cooling-off period of three years from October 2025. If he decides to move to the ICC with a year of his secretaryship still left, he will have four years left in the BCCI.At 35, Shah could become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar are the Indians who have headed the ICC in the past.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a strict policy mandating all centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket when fit and not on national duty. This move comes after the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the central contracts list due to their absence from domestic games.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for player fitness and selection. He stated that the harsh action taken against Iyer and Kishan has prompted them to participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Shah also highlighted the case of Ravindra Jadeja, who was asked to play a domestic game after recovering from injury.However, the BCCI has exempted top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah from domestic cricket as part of workload management. Shah explained that these players are at risk of injury if they are overburdened with domestic matches.The BCCI's decision has sparked debate among cricket fans and experts. Some argue that it is essential for players to maintain their form and fitness through domestic cricket, while others believe that top players should be rested to avoid burnout.The policy change is a significant step by the BCCI to ensure that players are match-ready and available for national selection. It also highlights the importance of domestic cricket as a pathway to the Indian team.

Jay Shah, the dynamic BCCI secretary, is spearheading a transformative era for Indian cricket. With a vision to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights, he has unveiled ambitious plans that will revolutionize the cricketing landscape.Shah's most significant announcement is the establishment of a state-of-the-art National Cricket Academy (NCA) on the outskirts of Bengaluru. This world-class facility will not only cater to the needs of Indian cricketers but also be accessible to Olympic athletes like Neeraj Chopra. The NCA will serve as a hub for player development, injury rehabilitation, and cutting-edge sports science research.In addition to the NCA, Shah has also announced plans for a cricket stadium in Varanasi and NCA facilities in six North-Eastern states and Jammu. These initiatives aim to promote cricket in underrepresented regions and provide equal opportunities for aspiring cricketers.Regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy, Shah emphasized that the BCCI will cross the bridge when it comes to India's participation in Pakistan. He expressed confidence in hosting the Bangladesh series despite the recent political turmoil in the neighboring country.Shah also addressed concerns about the impact player rule in the IPL. While acknowledging its potential to limit the development of all-rounders, he emphasized the need to consider the interests of broadcasters and the overall growth of the game.On the topic of player retentions and mega auctions, Shah stated that the BCCI will make a decision based on the majority view of franchise owners. He acknowledged the desire for consistency among settled teams but also recognized the benefits of shuffling things up to foster competition.Shah's vision extends beyond the men's game. He is committed to the development of women's cricket, highlighting the success of the Women's Premier League. He expressed optimism about expanding the league in the future and exploring the possibility of a Test Championship for women.To address the financial challenges faced by weaker cricket boards, Shah proposed the creation of a dedicated fund for touring fees in Test cricket. He believes that this will encourage teams to participate in the longest format of the game.Shah also discussed the appointment of Morne Morkel as India's bowling coach and the need for a 15-day gap between the end of the IPL and the WTC final to ensure adequate preparation.In conclusion, Jay Shah's bold initiatives are poised to transform Indian cricket. His focus on infrastructure development, player welfare, and the promotion of the sport in all corners of the country will undoubtedly elevate India's cricketing prowess to new heights.

The fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), remains uncertain due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) reluctance to travel to Pakistan. The PCB has submitted its plans for the tournament to the International Cricket Council (ICC), but the possibility of a hybrid model remains.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has criticized the BCCI and its secretary, Jay Shah, for their stance. Ali believes that other cricket boards will follow the BCCI's lead when the issue is discussed at the ICC meeting. He has urged the PCB to adopt a tit-for-tat approach and refuse to play matches outside of Pakistan if India refuses to travel for the Champions Trophy.The PCB has reportedly left the decision in the hands of the ICC. The budget for the tournament has been approved, but the schedule and format have not yet been finalized. The PCB has proposed hosting all of India's matches in Lahore, including a semi-final and the final if India qualifies.The BCCI's refusal to travel to Pakistan stems from security concerns. India has not played a bilateral series in Pakistan since 2007 due to tensions between the two countries. The PCB has assured the ICC that it will provide adequate security for the tournament, but the BCCI remains unconvinced.The ICC is expected to make a decision on the venue and format of the Champions Trophy in the coming months. If the tournament is held in a hybrid model, it would be the first time that the Champions Trophy has been played in multiple countries.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized his strong relationship with BCCI secretary Jay Shah, dismissing speculations of any discord. During a press conference before the team's departure for Sri Lanka, Gambhir stated, "I have a fabulous relationship with him. Jay Shah and I go a long way back. All these speculations about different things are given on different pages. I think we can do a better job by clarifying those things rather than putting it in the press."Gambhir stressed that the team's welfare takes precedence over individual interests. "The betterment of Indian cricket is more important. Gambhir is not important. All of us have hearts in the right place. If we all think that Indian cricket has to move forward, we will be on the same page. So far, I have had a great working relationship with him, hopefully, it will continue in the future as well," he said.The Indian team left for Sri Lanka on Monday for a three-match T20I and ODI series. The T20Is will be held on July 27, 28, and 30 at the Pallekele International Stadium, while the ODIs will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium from August 1.The T20I squad includes Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mohd. Siraj.The ODI squad comprises Rohit Sharma (C), Suhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, and Harshit Rana.

The upcoming ICC Annual Conference in Colombo, commencing on Friday, holds immense significance for the cricketing world. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah's potential takeover as ICC Chairman from New Zealander Greg Barclay will be a key topic of discussion.One of the major concerns on the agenda is the substantial financial losses incurred by the ICC during the T20 World Cup games held in the United States. Reports indicate losses exceeding USD 20 million. While the AGM's nine-point agenda does not explicitly address financial details, it will be discussed as a "post-event report."The appointment of ICC's new external auditor, ICC memberships, reports from associate members' meetings, and the presentation of ICC development awards are also on the agenda.A crucial issue not included in the official agenda but likely to be raised under "Any Other Business" is India's decision to decline participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.According to an ICC source, the timing of Jay Shah's succession as ICC Chairman is a primary concern. The source stated, "It is not about how but when, as he still has one year left as BCCI secretary before his cooling-off period in Indian board starts in 2025 as per constitution."Speculation suggests that the ICC's chairmanship term could be revised from three terms of two years each to two terms of three years, maintaining the cumulative term at six years. This would allow Shah to complete his six years as BCCI secretary and assume the ICC chairmanship in 2025 for three years during his cooling-off period in the BCCI. Subsequently, he could return in 2028 to take over as the board president.

Team India's triumph at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to the unwavering support and vision of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Following the team's triumphant return to India, Shah expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering encouragement.Shah's instrumental role in facilitating the team's return from Barbados, where they were stranded due to Hurricane Beryl, underscores his commitment to the team's well-being. The squad, along with support staff and journalists, arrived in India on Thursday morning, greeted by a wave of euphoria and national pride.Upon their arrival, the team met with Prime Minister Modi, who has consistently supported #TeamIndia through both victories and setbacks. Shah acknowledged the Prime Minister's unwavering belief in the team's abilities, regardless of the outcome."We are glad that the World Cup victory has brought a wave of euphoria across the country and filled every Indian with a sense of pride," Shah wrote on Instagram.Shah's leadership has been instrumental in fostering a positive and supportive environment for the team. His vision for Indian cricket has played a crucial role in the team's success, both on and off the field.The team's return to India was marked by an open-top bus parade in Mumbai and a presentation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium. The outpouring of support from the Indian public is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, as well as the transformative power of sport in uniting a nation.

Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has expressed optimism about the Indian men's cricket team's chances of winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. In an exclusive interview, Shah discussed his achievements at the BCCI, the challenges facing Indian cricket, and his vision for the future.Shah highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure and talent development. He credited the BCCI's decision to strengthen the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and introduce a sports psychologist for the women's team as key achievements. He also emphasized the need for a balance between form and experience in team selection, while acknowledging the importance of overseas experience.Regarding the criticism of the IPL's impact player rule, Shah stated that it is a test case and the BCCI is consulting with stakeholders. He defended the batting-friendly pitches in the IPL, citing the recent match between Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad as evidence of their fairness.Shah also discussed the BCCI's financial success, attributing it to the separation of TV and digital broadcasting rights and the increase in revenue from the ICC. He emphasized that a large portion of the revenue is invested in state associations for grassroots development and infrastructure improvement.When asked about his favorite cricket icons, Shah named Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya. He also expressed his admiration for Rafael Nadal in tennis and his preference for the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as his favorite cricket stadium.Shah's management mantra is to appoint the right people and maintain transparency in financial matters. He is inspired by Swami Vivekanand's quote, "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is achieved."