Duleep Trophy: Saikia says BCCI is increasing live coverage amid Bengaluru CoE restrictions
Bengaluru, August 9
Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Devajit Saikia stressed that the authorities are considering ways to improve the spectator experience but still have time to assess the suggestions.
He said BCCI have focused on increasing the number of Duleep Trophy matches broadcast live, compared with previous years when only a limited number were televised.
He also explained that government restrictions prohibit large crowds in the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE), Bengaluru, where the venue is located. While this restriction cannot be violated, close relatives or associates of team members may attend.
To give fans greater access despite the limitation, the organisers have increased live television coverage, allowing supporters to watch their favourite players and teams in the Duleep Trophy.
"We will look into the suggestion. We still have time. We'll look into that aspect, and if required, we'll do that. But for the time being, what we have done is increase the number of matches which were telecast before this year, which were very limited," Devajit Saikia told the reporter on Sunday in Bengaluru.
"Yes, [I] agree with your suggestions. There are some restrictions when this land was allotted here that we cannot have a crowd in this campus. So that is a government restriction; we cannot violate that. But very close persons of the team members can come. But this year, we have increased the number of matches to be telecast live. That way, we are giving fans (the opportunity) to watch their favourite players and teams perform in the Duleep Trophy," he added.
While, Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman also defended the BCCI Centre of Excellence amid scrutiny over India's growing injury list. He stressed that injuries are an inevitable part of a cricketer's career and said the priority should be careful monitoring and management of players, rather than blaming the CoE or looking for scapegoats.
Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, with Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar among those facing fitness concerns.
"CoE is not merely a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence," Laxman said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Wait, why can't we have crowds at the Centre of Excellence? That seems odd. It's one thing to have security restrictions, but completely banning spectators from domestic cricket matches? What's the point of having a beautiful stadium if no one can watch the game there? I appreciate the increased TV coverage, but nothing beats live atmosphere.
Typical Indian bureaucracy! Government gives land with ridiculous conditions attached. Now fans suffer. But credit to BCCI for working around it by expanding live coverage. Technology is the great equalizer these days. Still, hope they find a permanent solution soon. In the meantime, I'm just happy to watch young talent in the Duleep Trophy!
VVS Laxman is absolutely right. The CoE is not just a rehab center. Our cricket infrastructure has improved massively over the years, and blaming the CoE for every injury is just scapegoating. Injuries happen in international cricket - look at Australia, England, they have injuries too. The key is proper management and rotation, which the team management is working on.
It's interesting to see the comparison between how cricket is managed in India vs other countries. The BCCI clearly takes the fan experience seriously, even in a domestic tournament. The increased TV coverage is a smart move. Bumrah, Sudharsan, Reddy - so many young players to watch. I hope the coaching staff at CoE helps them all recover well.
Honestly, I think the restrictions are a bit over the top. If we can have full IPL stadiums with thousands of people, why can't we have a few hundred spectators in Bengaluru? I get that it's
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.