Rajeev Shukla (Special Arrangement) As Indian cricket reaches new heights on the global stage, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla shares insights into the system that has led to this sustained success.In an interview with TOI, Shukla talks about the depth of India’s talent pool, the role of structured domestic platforms and the impact of leagues like the IPL. excerpts:
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“We didn’t play good cricket” – Mahela Jayawardene after MI’s biggest IPL loss vs CSKQ: Indian cricket is at an all-time high, winning several world cups in recent years. What are the main reasons for this success?The success of Indian cricket is built on the strength of its immense talent. Today, we have 4-5 equally capable players for each position, which ensures depth and healthy competition. A strong emphasis is placed on local development, where young talents are identified and nurtured in time. A high-performance ecosystem, including a center of excellence in Bengaluru, plays a vital role not only in training but also in injury management and player longevity. Structured tournaments across all age groups – male and female – ensure continuous exposure and growth. Platforms like IPL and WPL have further accelerated this development by providing world-class exposure.Q: There was a demand for four UP teams in domestic cricket. what is your viewThe matter is governed by Supreme Court guidelines which clearly state that a state can have only one team, with limited historical exceptions such as Gujarat and Maharashtra. Therefore, under the current framework, Uttar Pradesh cannot have multiple teams unless the state is bifurcated. However, an effective alternative is to create high-quality competitive platforms that provide wider exposure. Initiatives such as a professionally structured six-team T20 league have enabled over 200 players to participate and offer them a platform with global visibility and an opportunity for greater recognition.Q: How do you see Indian cricket progressing from here?Indian cricket is all set to go from strength to strength. With continued investment in infrastructure, player development and sports science coupled with early exposure and professional training, the talent pool will only improve. The system ensures that players are well prepared from a young age. With a sustained focus on nurturing talent, Indian cricket will reach new heights globally.Q: Do you mean the chief selector? Ajit Agarkar is it to continue until the 2027 World Cup?Such decisions rest with BCCI management. These are collective calls taken at an opportune time, with the larger interests of Indian cricket in mind. When the time comes, the council will take a considered view.Q: Are you happy with UP’s performance in domestic cricket recently?We are very encouraged by the progress of Uttar Pradesh cricket. The primary role of the state association is to develop players who can represent the national team and bring international recognition to the state. UP consistently contributes talent at the highest level. In white-ball cricket, the team has shown exceptional form, including a remarkable run of seven consecutive victories in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against some of the state’s strongest sides. Platforms like the UP T20 League have significantly boosted the talent pool. We have about 18 players from UP across the teams playing in the IPL.
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