BCCI vp Rajeev Shukla on Monday put up a stout defence of Kanpur as a Test centre, saying the venue cannot be denied the prospect to host lengthy format matches as it’s set to endure an improve to enhance its infrastructure. Persistent rain has performed havoc with the second Test between India and Bangladesh on the Green Park as two full days of play had been washed out and not using a ball being bowled. The stadium has an outdated drainage system and three tremendous soppers had been used to dry the bottom after rain. On Sunday, it didn’t rain a lot and the solar additionally got here out for a quick interval however the moist outfield didn’t permit play to start. Only 35 overs may very well be bowled throughout the primary three days of the Test.
“Well criticism is one factor which we’re used to being in administration of BCCI in cricket. But the whole lot is being criticized. When we weren’t giving matches to Kanpur then additionally I used to be being criticised. Now we’re giving the match and I’m being criticized… why it has been given to Kanpur,” Shukla mentioned.
He mentioned they can not management climate and by no means earlier than a match has been deserted at this centre.
“This floor is round 80 years previous. It is our heritage floor. If you bear in mind it was a everlasting Test centre. So the entire concept was to have Test matches right here.
“This is for the primary time in 80 years that it has rained a lot that we weren’t in a position to host the match for 2 days. But the historical past means that no match has been deserted right here. There are many venues on the earth the place due to rain, matches had been deserted.
“I do not assume there needs to be a hue and cry as a result of when this floor was being constructed, stadium was being constructed, then these applied sciences weren’t obtainable. Now applied sciences can be found.
“Like in our Lucknow stadium, we have now acquired that expertise. And in Varanasi, we’re constructing one other stadium. There we have now acquired high-tech, fashionable expertise to remove the water. Here additionally we’re planning.” Back in 2019, star batter Virat Kohli had proposed that Test cricket needs to be performed solely at 5 main centres. Top cricketing nations like Australia and England even have everlasting centres.
Asked if he helps the thought? Shukla mentioned India have 5 main centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Beglauru, Chennai and Kanpur.
“Kanpur was additionally one in every of them. So, it is a everlasting Test centre. Then we have now to maintain different points additionally in thoughts. Second is our rotation coverage. So, we have now to go by the rotation coverage.
“And three, India has now acquired so much many venues. We have gotten most variety of venues which Australia and different nations do not have. And we have now to supply alternative to all of them.” Shukla mentioned smaller centres with infrastructure ought to host Tests to maintain the followers within the sport in these cities.
“The variety of spectators that goes down in these cities, as a result of persons are used to watching, you understand, these T20 and one-day cricket, all that. So, that is why we had, you understand, this concept was floated that in B-grade cities, the place we have now acquired infrastructure, we should always organise Test matches.
“Look at right here, it is nearly packed. And throughout the rains additionally final two days, lot many individuals turned as much as watch the match. That means there’s urge for food. People are keen to look at cricket. So, that is why we’re holding all these issues in thoughts.”
IPL public sale in India or overseas
Shukla hinted that the BCCI might conduct the upcoming IPL public sale overseas just like the final time.
“We are considering with each the choices. It could also be overseas additionally. Last time we had in Dubai. And it went very efficiently. The entire concept is to take some factor of cricket abroad additionally. So, abroad cricket followers additionally get attracted.
“And they affiliate themselves with the cricket. So, that is the fundamental concept. If we will not have matches there, a minimum of we should always organise such occasions there. Keeping that in thoughts, all of the choices are open.”
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