BCCI Formation and India’s Road to Test Status: The Forgotten 1926 Story
India’s path to Test cricket began in 1926 with Arthur Gilligan’s tour and CK Nayudu’s iconic 153. The performance inspired the formation of BCCI in 1928, leading to India's first Test in 1932.
India Cricket History (The Origins of Indian Test Cricket: CK Nayudu, Gilligan & the Founding of BCCI): By Abhishek Mukherjee In 1926, the ICC (Imperial Cricket Conference at that time) awarded membership to India, West Indies and New Zealand. However, India did not play their first Test match immediately. Despite the occasional victory against touring sides, the illustrious career of Ranji, and the rise of Duleep, Indian cricket was yet to earn respect outside India. Arthur Gilligan brought an English side to India in 1926/27.
They were a very strong side that did not lose a single match on the tour. Their match against the Hindus at Bombay Gymkhana was one of the most significant in the history of Indian cricket. Gilligan's men scored 363. CK Nayudu walked out at 67/2 and scored 153 in 100 minutes with 13 fours and 11 sixes. The 11 sixes were a world record at this point. As news spread, hundreds of people arrived at the ground to watch Nayudu bat. When he got out, even the umpires applauded him. Soon afterwards, the tourists played an All-India side, again at Bombay Gymkhana.
This time DB Deodhar, a 53-year-old Sanskrit professor, carved out 148 in four hours. Gilligan was convinced that India had enough cricketing talent for the next level.
Two months later, he met the Maharaja of Patiala (organiser of the tour), Grant Govan (a Delhi-based businessman), and Anthony de Mello (an employee of Govan) at the Roshanara Club in Delhi. He promised to talk to MCC about a tour. Gilligan also requested the Indians to form their own cricket board.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was founded in December 1928 at Roshanara Club. Govan was the first President and de Mello the first Secretary. Five months later, Govan and de Mello represented India at the ICC. India played their first Test match in 1932.
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