'What is the need to have clarity right now' - Jay Shah on Rohit Sharma's T20I future

In a recent interaction, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah shed light on several upcoming developments in Indian cricket. He addressed the questions surrounding Rohit Sharma's T20 future and provided an update on the new National Cricket Academy and academies in Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir.

While speculation surrounds Rohit Sharma's return as T20I captain, Shah maintained a diplomatic stance and said that there is no need for clarity right now.

"What is the need to have clarity right now? It (T20 World Cup) is starting in June. We have the IPL before that and also the series against Afghanistan," said Jay Shah as quoted by NDTV.

Addressing infrastructure improvements, Shah said that the new NCA in Bengaluru, along with academies in Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir, will be operational by mid-August 2024. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy's construction is already underway.

"We will launch the new National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and the new academies in Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir at the same time in mid-August. The work on Jammu and Kashmir Academy has started," Shah said.

Shah also delved into the subject of 'Pink Ball' Tests, acknowledging the need to boost public interest.

"We will have to increase the amount of interest in the public for the pink-ball Test. If you recall the Test ended in 2-3 days. Everyone wants to watch a Test match lasting 4-5 days," he added. India have played two 'Pink Ball' Tests to date, with both matches concluding well within three days.

"Once they get more used to it we will do more pink-ball Tests. Last time it was done in Australia, no one has done it since then. We were in talks with England, but we will do it gradually," Shah added.

The number of matches also make a difference: Shah

Regarding gender pay equality in cricket, Shah emphasised the importance of having more matches played by women's teams.

"The number of matches also make a difference (that the men and the women's teams play). And for that, every cricket body has to reciprocate, me talking about this alone will not make a difference.

"The amount of cricket we — (cricket boards of England, Australia and BCCI) are playing — the others will also have to play. That is only when we will be able to increase the number of matches," Shah concluded.