Since taking over as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2019, Jay Shah has navigated a path filled with unprecedented challenges and remarkable achievements. In a candid conversation with the Times of India, Shah reflected on what he considers his most significant accomplishment: successfully conducting the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 IPL season faced immense uncertainty as the pandemic escalated worldwide. By March and April, rising COVID-19 cases globally had compelled the indefinite postponement of the tournament. Despite the daunting circumstances, a new schedule was arranged, and the competition was eventually held from September 19 to November 10. This marked a historical moment as the IPL took place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), within a tightly regulated bio-secure bubble and without spectators in the stands.
Reflecting on this tumultuous period, Shah remarked, “My biggest achievement in my tenure was holding the 2020 IPL in UAE in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The Olympics, English Premier League, and French Open had already been postponed or canceled. We created an isolation bubble within which we conducted the tournament. We demonstrated to the world what the BCCI could achieve.”
The successful staging of the IPL not only offered a significant morale boost to cricket fans across the globe but also reinforced the BCCI’s organizational prowess. The Mumbai Indians emerged victorious, making history by becoming only the second team to successfully defend their title in the IPL. More importantly, the 2020 IPL showcased the resilient spirit of sports and its ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
Jay Shah’s tenure has been marked by other pathbreaking initiatives as well. Among these is the introduction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a groundbreaking platform for aspiring women cricketers to compete at the highest level alongside the world’s best players. The WPL draws inspiration from the IPL’s successful model and aims to elevate women’s cricket to new heights.
“When I decided to create the WPL, I had a lot of convincing to do. One of the arguments I used was that 51% of IPL viewership was female. When we had the women’s series against Australia in Navi Mumbai, we made the entrance free and we got a full house,” Shah shared. His commitment to fostering women’s cricket led to the establishment of the WPL, offering young female athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain valuable experience.
Shah’s dedication to gender parity extends beyond just creating platforms. He also announced measures for pay parity among male and female cricketers, a significant stride towards equality in the sport. “I also insisted on pay parity because this would encourage women to come out and play. After my decision, I am glad to inform you that ICC also announced pay parity in prize money for the Women’s World Cup,” Shah added.
Moreover, Shah has overseen the introduction of a sports psychologist for the women’s team and the appointment of Amol Mazumdar as a specialized coach, demonstrating his holistic approach to development. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive support to female cricketers, encompassing both mental well-being and technical training.
As the BCCI Secretary, Shah’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating the organization through one of the most challenging periods in recent history. His tenure not only underscores his capability to manage crises but also highlights his vision for inclusive and progressive growth in Indian cricket. From ensuring the successful execution of crucial tournaments to championing the cause of women’s cricket, Shah’s contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of the sport.
The future of Indian cricket looks promising under Shah’s stewardship, with continued efforts to innovate and expand the reach of the game. His tenure serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of cricket, reinforcing the sport’s ability to thrive even in the face of global challenges. As he continues to guide the BCCI, the cricketing community anticipates more groundbreaking initiatives that will further strengthen India’s position as a cricketing powerhouse.
Related Stories
– IPL Rising Star: Vyshak Vijaykumar, RCB’s young warhorse
– Josh Tongue sidelined indefinitely as injury setback depletes England’s options ahead of home summer
– Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten aims to ‘take pressure off’ Babar Azam
