Rahul Dravid avoids potential conflict of interest for NCA chief role

At 46, Rahul Dravid is one of the brightest individuals associated with Indian cricket. More than seven years since he had played his last international game for India, the former national captain has shone in roles of coach of the colts’ teams – be it Under-19 or India ‘A’. Last year, the India U-19 team went on to win the World Cup under his coaching. A number of budding cricketers admire him for his guidance and Dravid has proved time and again that his commitment towards Indian cricket has no end.

Recently, there was an issue over Dravid taking over as the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru over a potential conflict of interest because of his employment. However, he was understood to have resolved the issue amicably. According to reports, Dravid was set to take over the role on July 1.

But, days before taking over the reins, he informally asked for a clarification in relation to his prolonged association with India Cements that owns Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings, besides other cricket clubs.

Dravid acted as per the advice of CoA

Last week, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) that has been appointed by the Supreme Court to run the Board of Control for Cricket in India, discussed the issue at a meeting with BCCI ombudsman Justice (Retd) D K Jain. It then advised Dravid to stay away from India Cements before formally taking over. The former cricketer, who is known for his impeccable gentlemanly reputation, took a leave of absence from India Cements till he takes over the responsibilities at the NCA.

Once in his new role, Dravid or ‘The Wall’ as he was known during his playing days, is likely to work closely with head coaches and selectors of the men’s and women’s teams.

While the former cricketer will continue to work with teams like India ‘A’, India U-19 and U-23, he is also expected to kick-start an interview process of shortlisted candidates for some of the positions that are lying vacant at the NCA, the report added.

Dravid, one of India’s all-time great batsmen, scored over 24,000 international runs across formats (164 Tests, 344 ODIs and one T20I) with 48 hundreds between 1996 and 2012.