Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jay Shah wants to take important steps to improve Test cricket even more. Under his leadership, the Apex Cricket Council had decided that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan should be removed from the central contract when both these players refused to play in the Ranji Trophy last season.

Not only this, Jai Shah has also taken many important steps to promote women’s Test cricket. He also decided to give equal pay to the central contract of women players. For some time now, many people are very excited about T20 cricket while they are completely ignoring Test cricket.

Apart from Test cricket in Australia, England and India, no major steps have been taken to save this format in other countries. Regarding this, Jai Shah has suggested the ICC to allocate a dedicated fund for Test cricket so that many matches can be played in this format in other countries as well. According to Shah, if the board approves, a special fund can be provided so that maximum Test cricket matches can be played in as many countries as possible.

According to Cricbuzz, Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jay Shah said, “I am a member of ICC’s finance and commercial affairs. I have suggested that there should be a dedicated fund for Test cricket. Hosting Test matches is quite expensive. If the ICC board approves, we can do it. We are trying to create a special fund for Test cricket.”

Test cricket is losing viewers and broadcasters: Jay Shah

Jai Shah further said, ‘Test cricket is losing spectators and broadcasters. We also have to look at their feelings. As a fan, if you buy a 5-day ticket and the match ends in two days, you do not get any refund. I am very emotional about this thing. This is not always seen but now we should take a big step regarding this.

However, if sometimes the opposing team plays poorly, how can I help in that? When our players play well, I cannot tell my players to ensure that the match lasts long. However, it is very important for us to think about everyone.