India continued their good show and entered the Under 19 World Cup Final in South Africa. But still their failure to not be able to the tournament ever once since 1988 is something the board is criticised every now and often. Recently former BCCI officials threw light on the scenario.
Chaudhury explains
One of the reasons behind not hosting the tournament could be the revenue issue, as speculated. But former BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhury said the real reason should be asked to the International Cricket Council.
He explained that the Indian board has been spending a lot of money in domestic cricket and this should not be an issue. He explained to the New Indian Express, “This question should be directed to the ICC. It depends on them how they wish to host and promote the U-19 World Cup. I don’t think a lack of profitability is a reason behind India not hosting it. The BCCI has been spending crores on domestic cricket, which is a non-profitable venture. The U-19 World Cup not being held in India is more of an ICC matter than the BCCI being reluctant.”
He further added, “The ICC’s Executive Board takes the call on the allocation of World Cups. The last time this was done was in 2014 when the cycle for 2015-2023 was announced. It appears that the BCCI never expressed willingness to host the junior event.”
What Shah opines
Former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah echoed the same. He opined that the Indian board does not have anything against the tournament. “I don’t think we have anything against the U-19 World Cup. Lack of revenue is not the reason. It’s just that it is still to come to India. On the other hand, it has been good for our boys that they have won it in conditions they don’t encounter at home. It helps in their development. And taking it to places like Malaysia and UAE helps the promotion of the game.”
