Bishan Singh Bedi fumes over BCCI's decision to invite applications for head coach

Former India cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi slammed the BCCI for its untimely invitation of applications for a new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Defending champions India landed in the United Kingdom on Thursday to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

The current coach of the Indian team Anil Kumble is with the squad, but his contract comes to an end soon after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. Bedi was rather discontent with the fact that the BCCI is looking for an alternative for Kumble despite his success as coach during India’s long home season.

Bedi, who is known to have no qualms expressing his thoughts regarding controversial affairs, was livid with the BCCI’s decision to invite fresh applications for the position of head coach.

“Do these people who call the shots at the BCCI, qualify to even tie Kumble’s boot laces? Our team has just landed in England to defend their Champions Trophy title and you advertise for candidates… where is the sanity? I am aghast over this attitude,” Bedi was quoted as saying to Mid-Day.

The former spinner is no stranger to the way things function in the BCCI. He was cricket manager when Kumble made his Test debut on the 1990 tour of England. As the coach, Anil Kumble might have got off on the wrong foot with the board following his recent demand for a higher pay for A grade players, as well as himself. Hence, the BCCI’s move to invite head coach aspirants is a possible explanation to show Kumble that he can indeed be replaced.

Is the BCCI happy with BCCI? – Bishan Singh Bedi

“They (BCCI members) may not agree with him, but to pounce on him now is undesirable. Some people are born to carry chips on their shoulders. I hear the BCCI is not happy. Tell me, is the BCCI happy with BCCI?” asked Bedi.

“Just because Kumble has a good rapport with the Committee of Administrators (CoA), you target him. What is wrong with him being close to CoA? Isn’t that panel appointed by the Supreme Court of India? Nobody can challenge Kumble’s contribution in the last season. He’s a very professional analyst and the bottom line is that he’s just doing his job,” he remarked.

“When are you going to grow up? And where did you end up after everyone toed your line? You landed at the doors of the Supreme Court,” Bedi lashed out at the board.

His rant didn’t spare the CoA either as the former spinner said, “Why is the CoA letting all these officials to call the shots? It’s the CoA’s prerogative.”

Furthermore, Bishan Singh Bedi was appalled at the fact that acting president CK Khanna presented the IPL trophy to Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma. He said, “Was there no better person to handover the trophy? Vinod Rai (the CoA chief) should have done the honours.” Bedi followed it up with a tongue-in-cheek statement, saying, “How can the poor be so rich? This is the height of poverty.”