BCCI clarifies the reason for advertisement for new head coach

Indian head coach Anil Kumble has been able to achieve significant success with the Indian team not only in limited-overs cricket but in Tests as well. The parameter isn’t restricted to the wins they have registered but considering the rise of some of the players from good contributors to match winners has given the team that added edge.

Despite what he has done for the team the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to invite applications for the Head Coach’s position and not extend his contract directly as Kumble’s term ends with the Champions Trophy 2017 on June 20.

The Indian Test team is at the pinnacle of the rankings while they started way lower in the rankings when Kumble took over; despite the performances, the Indian board isn’t pleased enough to give him an extension.

BCCI explains

“The contract of the current Indian coach is coming to an end on June 20th. There would be a vacancy on June 21st and a procedure is being followed. The same process that was adopted last time is being adopted again,” acting BCCI Secretary Amitabh Choudhary told India Today.

The advertisement on the BCCI website lists a certain preference to an Indian coach for the job along with the other criteria.

“Communication skills befitting the coach of an international team are mandatory along with the ability to effectively convey the right messages and must demonstrate proficiency in English. It is desirable to communicate in Hindi and other regional languages.”

The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) which comprises of Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly will again play a crucial role in picking the coach for the team. BCCI has taken this decision after due consultation with the Committee of Administrators and thus there is a single opinion at their end.

“The advertisement has been put on the website and it does not prevent anyone from applying nor does it support anyone. It does not stop anyone who has been a coach earlier to apply. This is what has been decided by the COA and correctly so,” Choudhary added.

It was earlier reported that Kumble’s move to push for a 150% pay hike for the players as well as himself hasn’t gone down well with a lot of BCCI officials and that led to the decision where they didn’t extend his contract but have rather opened up the game.

Like the last time, CAC will interview all the shortlisted candidates before making the call.

“Anil Kumble negotiating pay hike is fine but his extension will be decided after a transparent interview process if over,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying.