Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, has been a major advocate in defence of Test cricket. As a result of their failure to report for the Ranji Trophy the previous year, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kisan were fired from their central contracts by the apex council, which was governed by him. In addition, he was a key figure in the historic decision to pay all contractual players equally and in the expansion of women’s Test matches.
But Test cricket needs to be watched closely worldwide. It’s alarming that red-ball cricket is losing fans, with the exception of Australia, India, and England. In light of this,
Jay Shah said he recommended to the ICC that a special fund be set up for Test cricket, given that it is a costly sport for less wealthy nations.
He continued by saying that a special money may be granted if the board approved. “I belong to the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs division. I’ve proposed that a special fund be established for Test cricket. The cost of hosting a Test match is high. We can do it if the (ICC) Board gives its approval. Shah was cited as saying, “We’re trying to create a special fund for Test cricket.”
Shah also gave an explanation for why India no longer plays day-night Test matches. He said that because the games were ending far earlier than expected, both viewers and broadcasters were losing out on the enjoyment. He went on to say that it is unfair to the spectators that they are not given refunds for their tickets, and it is also the reason why BCCI is reluctant to hold pink-ball tests.
“Broadcasters and viewers are losing out. In the end, we also need to consider their feelings. If you purchase a five-day ticket as a fan and the game concludes in two days, you will not receive a refund. I have strong feelings regarding that matter.
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It does not occur frequently. How can I assist if it occasionally occurs and the opponent performs poorly? I’m not allowed to advise our players to make the game last longer when they perform well, said Shah.