"BCCI is a society and..." - Jay Shah's bold statement on reports of Saudi Arabia investing in IPL

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah provided a massive update about the foreign investments in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He said that the governing body is a society and nobody can invest in it.

Indian Premier League (IPL) of late has shattered all the records and has become one of the richest sporting leagues in the world. The tournament is one of the main reasons why BCCI is the richest cricketing body in the world.

The brand value of IPL over the years has increased rapidly and has put it on the same list as other sporting leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and NHL. Recently it was revealed that the league generates more revenue than the English Premier League (EPL), which in itself is a huge achievement

The league has financially benefitted BCCI a lot and recently there were many reports which suggested that Saudi Arabia was eyeing a multi-billion dollar investment in the IPL. The reports claimed that the Gulf nation wants to invest some $5 billion in the Indian Premier League at a $30 billion valuation and help lead an expansion into other countries.

The reports claimed that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s advisers have spoken to Indian government officials about the same. But since then there has been no statement about the same from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Months after the reports, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has opened up about the same. He said that no one can invest in the governing body. Speaking to PTI, he stated: “BCCI is a society and nobody can invest in it.”

Jay Shah provides fitness on Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul

Apart from the development around the investment in IPL, Jay Shah also provided a huge update about the fitness reports of three key players of Team India in Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, who all have missed a lot of cricket due to injuries.

Mohammed Shami, who faced an ankle injury after the World Cup 2023 and underwent surgery, will be back soon in action. Jay Shah revealed that the pacer will be making a comeback in the home Test series against Bangladesh.

Jay Shah also revealed that KL Rahul , who got injured in the first Test against England, is back at the NCA and is doing his rehabilitation after taking the injections. He stated:

“Shami’s surgery is done, he is back in India. Shami’s return is likely for the home series against Bangladesh. KL Rahul needed an injection, he has started rehab and is at the NCA.”

About Rishabh Pant, Jay Shah said that the keeper-batter has attained full fitness and will be making a comeback in the IPL. He also revealed that if the DC skipper keeps a wicket in the IPL, he will be picked for the T20 World 2024. He stated:

“He is batting well, he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very soon. If he can play in the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us. He is a big asset for us. If he can keep, he can play in the World Cup. Let’s see how he does in the IPL,” he concluded