Tag: BCCI

Sports

Jay Shah’s reformist vision ushers in a Golden Era for Cricket

Tanisha Cardozo

Under the transformative leadership of Jay Shah, cricket has entered a golden era defined by equality, reform, and global expansion. As BCCI Secretary and now ICC Chairman, Mr. Shah has led a movement that reshaped not just how cricket is governed but how it is envisioned for future generations.

At the helm of the ICC, he has brought reformist energy and a commitment to inclusivity that have set new global benchmarks. His landmark decision to introduce equal prize money for men’s and women’s tournaments in 2023 was a turning point for gender equality in sports. Strengthening the ICC’s financial framework after the COVID-19 pandemic, he championed sustainability, transparency, and strategic growth—ensuring that cricket continues to thrive across emerging nations.

Mr. Shah’s instrumental role in cricket’s return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics stands as a historic achievement. Personally leading the ICC’s successful pitch to the International Olympic Committee, he fulfilled a decades-long dream of bringing cricket back to the world’s biggest sporting arena.

His journey began at the BCCI, where he revolutionized Indian cricket’s operations with governance reforms that prioritized transparency, professionalism, and data-driven decision-making. Under his leadership, the IPL grew into a global sports phenomenon with record-breaking media rights, and the Women’s Premier League emerged as the largest women’s sporting league in the world. He implemented India’s landmark pay parity policy, ensuring equal match fees for men and women cricketers—a step that inspired other sports bodies globally.

Beyond the glamour of leagues, Mr. Shah revitalized the domestic structure, significantly increasing prize money and match fees, and launching the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme to reignite interest in red-ball cricket. He also expanded the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru into a world-class hub for high-performance training and rehabilitation, setting new standards for player development.

These reforms have yielded remarkable success on the field. India’s cricketing dominance reached new heights with five ICC trophies in just three years across men’s and women’s categories, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and most recently, India’s first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025.

Reflecting on the historic women’s victory, Jay Shah remarked, “India finally lifts the World Cup! Last night was a landmark in the history of women’s cricket. Increased investment, pay parity with men’s cricketers, and the competitive spirit born from the WPL have shaped this incredible achievement.”

With vision and conviction, Jay Shah has not only modernized cricket’s governance but redefined its spirit. His leadership continues to unite the game under one purpose—to make cricket truly global, equitable, and limitless in possibility.

Sports

BCCI Announces Equal Match Fees for Men and Women Cricketers

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark decision that redefines the future of Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that men’s and women’s Indian international cricketers will now receive equal match fees across all formats. From now on, both men and women representing India will earn ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for a One Day International (ODI), and ₹3 lakh for a T20 International.

The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who described the move as a crucial step toward eliminating gender disparity in the sport. “The match fee for both men and women cricketers will be the same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Indian cricket,” he stated.

Previously, women cricketers in India earned much lower match fees — approximately ₹1 lakh for a limited-overs international and ₹4 lakh for a Test match. This new structure brings them on par with their male counterparts for the first time in history, sending a powerful message of equality and respect.

While this pay parity covers match fees, annual contract retainers remain separate. Under the current structure, women’s Grade A contracts stand at ₹50 lakh per year, while men’s retainers vary from ₹1 crore to ₹7 crore depending on category. However, the introduction of pay parity for matches is widely seen as a foundational step toward broader financial equality.

The decision reflects the growing stature of women’s cricket in India, following recent milestones such as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and improved performances on the global stage. It also aligns with the BCCI’s stated goal of empowering women athletes and building a sustainable professional ecosystem for the women’s game.

Players, fans, and sports advocates across the country have hailed the move as historic. Former Indian women’s captain Mithali Raj described it as a “red-letter day for Indian cricket,” while current players and commentators called it “a victory for fairness and recognition.”

This landmark decision not only acknowledges the efforts and commitment of India’s women cricketers but also sets a global example for sporting federations worldwide. It underscores that talent, dedication, and performance — not gender — should determine a player’s worth on the field.

As Indian cricket moves forward, the BCCI’s pay-equity policy marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting narrative — one that paves the way for greater inclusivity, equality, and respect across all formats of the game.

Sports

CM Pramod Sawant Assures Full Support to Newly-Elected Goa Cricket Association Committee

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

The newly-elected Goa Cricket Association (GCA) managing committee, led by former Ranji Trophy cricketer Mahesh Dessai, received a strong assurance of support from Goa’s Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.

In a courtesy meeting at his official residence on Monday, Sawant congratulated the new office bearers and said:

“As far as Goan cricket is concerned, I backed the committee earlier and will continue to support the new group.”

The elections saw a 6-0 clean sweep for the panel led by former presidents Chetan Dessai, Vinod Phadke, Vipul Phadke, and Suraj Lotlikar. Mahesh Dessai defeated rival candidate Mahesh Candolkar to take over as president.

Outgoing president Vipul Phadke highlighted the CM’s assurance, stating:

“The state government and all departments will support us.”

Chetan Dessai also added that the meeting with the CM reflected unity within the committee, with Sawant being “very supportive.”

Later in the day, Mahesh Dessai and his team formally assumed charge of GCA affairs at the association’s Porvorim headquarters.

The elections took place amid political and sporting dynamics, as the rival panel ‘Parivartan’, backed by BCCI joint secretary and BJP functionary Rohan Gauns Dessai, was defeated despite enjoying state government support previously.

With this new leadership in place and government backing reaffirmed, cricket in Goa looks set for a phase of renewed energy and growth.

Sports

Apollo Tyres Inks ₹579 Crore Deal as Team India’s New Lead Sponsor

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Apollo Tyres has officially stepped into the cricketing spotlight, signing a landmark sponsorship deal worth ₹579 crore to become the lead sponsor of Team India. The agreement marks one of the biggest corporate partnerships in Indian cricket and underscores the growing synergy between brands and sports in India.

As part of the deal, Apollo Tyres’ branding will be prominently featured on Team India’s jerseys across all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. With cricket being India’s most popular and unifying sport, the partnership provides Apollo a powerful platform to connect with billions of fans both in India and globally.

Why This Deal Matters

  • 💰 ₹579 crore – one of the largest cricket sponsorships in recent years.
  • 🌍 Apollo Tyres gains global visibility, with Team India playing marquee tournaments, ICC events, and bilateral series across continents.
  • 🏏 Reinforces Apollo’s commitment to performance, resilience, and global recognition.

The sponsorship comes at a time when cricket’s commercial value is surging, driven by massive fan engagement, broadcast rights, and brand visibility. Apollo Tyres’ move signals confidence in the sport’s reach and its ability to deliver long-term brand impact.

This landmark deal cements Apollo Tyres as not just a leader in the tyre industry, but also a key player in India’s sports ecosystem.

Sports

Amit Mishra Retires After 25-Year Career, Bids Farewell to Cricket

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New Delhi | September 4, 2025

Veteran Indian leg spinner Amit Mishra has officially announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, marking the end of an illustrious journey that spanned more than 25 years.


Mishra, who made his international debut in 2003, quickly rose to prominence as a dependable leg spinner known for his accuracy and ability to outsmart batsmen. Over the years, he represented India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, earning a reputation as one of the finest leg spinners of his generation.


In addition to his international career, Mishra was a standout performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he became one of the tournament’s most successful bowlers. His hat-tricks and consistent breakthroughs made him a match-winner for multiple franchises.


On September 4, 2025, Mishra took to social media to share the news, expressing gratitude to his family, teammates, fans, and coaches. He reflected on his journey, describing cricket as his “greatest teacher and lifelong passion.”


Known for his calm demeanor and exceptional skills, Mishra’s contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond statistics. He served as a mentor to younger spinners and remained a key presence in domestic cricket well into his 40s.


As Amit Mishra steps away from the cricketing field, he leaves behind not only records but also memories cherished by millions of fans. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence on Indian cricket and the art of leg spin will endure.

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