BCCI keen on recruiting former players as team managers

Cricket’s apex council in the country, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday released a report claiming to appoint former Indian players as managers for the Men in Blue. In a recent development, the board is considering former cricketers as the ideal choice for the job.

The applications of only those who have played first-class or international cricket will be considered for the job. The exact dates have not been mentioned but it is speculated that the board will come out with the advertisement in a week or two. BCCI also wishes to get rid of this formula of pleasing members of state associations who are sent for the tours as managers with the team.

According to Indian Express, a BCCI spokesperson was quoted as saying, “Only cricketers can become managers. Cricketers who have played first-class or international cricket. We discussed whether members who have done a good job in the past should be allowed to take part in the application process. However, we felt having cricketers as managers will help because they can understand what players’ needs are. Those cricketers who are having any post in associations can apply but will have to give up their post once picked.”

Rahul Dravid to miss India U-19 tour

Dravid, who had consented to proceed with his mentor role for India U-19 and India A teams will be heading to South Africa with India A and hence miss the U-19 tour as both the tournament will be played simultaneously. Meanwhile, Abhay Sharma will be travelling with the U-19 as its fielding coach. The board has not given him a two-year deal, unlike Dravid, and would review his contract series by series.

In the interim, former India opener WV Raman and currently the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, is likely to get the temporary charge as coach of the India Under-19 squad for their upcoming tour of England