Jay Shah shares BCCI's reason behind not hosting pink ball Tests in India

BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) Secretary Jay Shah has revealed the reason behind not hosting any day/night Tests in recent times. Notably, India last hosted a day/night Test back in 2022 against Sri Lanka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru as well. Since then, the board has not hosted any pink ball games including the last two series against Australia and England. Recently, Jay Shah revealed the reason behind the move as well.

"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.

However, out of the three-day night Tests played by India at home, no games have lasted more than three days with one of them producing a result within just two days in Ahmedabad as well. India’s only loss in the day/night match has come in Adelaide where they were bundled out for a mere 36, the lowest team total in 87 years.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

Jay Shah turns down the BCB's request for India to host the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

He also revealed that they turned down the Bangladesh Cricket Board's request for India to host the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 due to political turmoil in their country as well. 

"They 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. I do not want to give the impression that I want to host consecutive World Cups," he added.

On the other hand, Jay Shah also commented on whether to increase the number of IPL matches from the current 74 in the next season.

"We have not taken a call on organising 84 matches in IPL 2025 since we also have to factor the load on the players due to the increase in matches," Shah told the press on Wednesday, as quoted by the Economic Times. "While it's (84 matches) part of the contract, it's up to the BCCI to decide whether to organise 74 or 84 matches. Some franchises are in favour of a mega auction since it will give them an opportunity to build a strong team. Some franchises don't want a mega-auction since they already have a strong team. Both consistency and shuffling are important."