|| India Correspondent ||
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has been elected as the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The news came on Saturday when the BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal took to Twitter and shared the news. He replaced Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Najmul Hasan Papon as well.
Arun Dhumal added: "Congratulations @JayShah on taking over as President of Asian Cricket Council. I'm sure ACC will achieve greater heights under ur leadership and the cricketers of the entire Asian region will benefit. My best wishes for a successful tenure."
Notably, the Asian Cricket Council is Asia's regional administrative body and it is currently comprised of 24-member associations. It also organizes the Asia Cup tournaments. However, the 2020 edition of the Asia Cup was postponed owing to the global pandemic novel COVID-19. Pakistan was about to host the tournament but it is now likely to be played in either Sri Lanka or Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Shah has most of the responsibility ever since the BCCI President Sourav Ganguly is in the hospital after his mild heart attack. However, he underwent angioplasty in Kolkata's Apollo hospital for the second time this month. And, the BCCI has decided not to host the Ranji Trophy this season but successful hosting of Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament. However, they will host the U-19 limited-overs tournament, Vijay Hazare Trophy and senior women's one-day tournament as well.
According to news agency ANI, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah wrote in his letter to the state associations how the COVID-19 changed the scenario as well. "The pandemic has tested each and every one of us and there is no life that has remained untouched by it, and while it has been difficult, your support has meant that we have been able to resume both domestic and international cricket in the men's category," he wrote.
"As you are aware, we have lost a lot of time and consequently, it has been difficult to plan the cricket calendar on account of the precautions that are necessary for the safe conduct of the games. "However, it was extremely important for us to ensure that women's cricket takes place and I am extremely happy to inform you that we are going to conduct the Senior Women's One-day tournament simultaneously with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and follow it up with Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under 19. This has been decided after having received your feedback on the domestic season 2020-21," he further added.