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The world of cricket is abuzz with anticipation as Jay Shah, the current BCCI Secretary, stands on the precipice of becoming the next ICC Chairman. With the support of 15 out of 16 ICC Board members, his ascension seems all but guaranteed. However, this potential shift has sparked a wave of speculation surrounding the future of the BCCI Secretary position, which Shah would vacate if he assumes the ICC role. The name that has been thrown into the mix is Rohan Jaitley, the son of the late Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and the current president of the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Reports in the Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar hinted that Rohan Jaitley could be the next BCCI Secretary, but these rumors were swiftly dismissed by Jaitley himself. In a tweet, the DDCA president refuted the claims, effectively putting an end to the speculation. While the BCCI Secretary role remains up for grabs, it seems unlikely that Rohan Jaitley will be vying for it anytime soon.
Amidst the flurry of speculation, the BCCI has made a positive announcement concerning the growth of women's and junior cricket in India. In a significant move, the board has introduced prize money for the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament in all domestic women's and junior competitions. This initiative aims to incentivize and recognize exceptional performances at the grassroots level, fostering a more rewarding environment for budding cricketers.
Furthermore, the BCCI has also announced prize money for the Player of the Match in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments for senior men. This move is part of the board's commitment to recognizing and rewarding outstanding performances across all levels of domestic cricket. The introduction of prize money signifies a step towards enhancing the value and prestige of domestic competitions, encouraging players to strive for excellence.
The BCCI's decision to increase prize money for domestic tournaments reflects a broader shift in the organization's approach to supporting and promoting cricket at all levels. The recent increase in prize money for the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Duleep Trophy underscores this commitment to nurturing the talent pool and elevating the status of domestic cricket. These initiatives are seen as crucial steps in ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of Indian cricket.