BCCI concerned about poor turn out, says Shukla

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IPL chairman and senior BCCI official Rajiv Shukla today expressed deep concern over the low turn out recorded during India's ODI matches against England and the ongoing Test series against the West Indies.

Even the anticipation of Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international century failed to attract more than 10,000 spectators in the first two days of the ongoing second cricket Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

"Yes, it is a concern for BCCI that crowd turn out have been pretty low. Definitely, we have to think about alternative option. May be we have to now conduct Test matches at smaller centres in order to attract sizeable amount of people," Shukla said on the sidelines of the launch of former India opener Aakash Chopra's latest book, 'Out of the Blue'.

Asked when a decision can be expected in this regard, he said, "It is a policy decision and definitely it will come up for discussion at BCCI's next working committee meeting."

Shukla also reiterated that although sportsperson from different spheres have been rallying about the implementation of the Sports Bill, the BCCI has already made its view clear.

"We are not concerned about what other sportsperson think. We have made our point clear to the sports ministry. Our proposal is lying with them. We are not at war with the ministry. We have some reservations about the bill which we have made clear to them," he said.

He also said that the IPL should not be taken as a club vs country debate as it provides opportunity to younger players to showcase their talent.

Meanwhile, Chopra, the author of the newly-published book said Duleep Trophy has now-a-days become a redundant event after it has been transformed into knockout tournament as players are not getting enough chance to prove their skills.

The function was attended by a host of former as well as present India cricketers like Murali Vijay, Abhinav Mukund, Murali Karthik besides Chopra's Ranji Trophy side, Rajasthan teammates.