The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah on Friday, May 24, 2024, rejected claims that the Board has approached any former Australian cricketer to be India’s next head coach. Shah hinted that Rahul Dravid’s successor could be an Indian by emphasizing the importance of having a “deep understanding” of the game’s structure in the country.
In the midst of high-profile coaches around the globe choosing not to enter the race to be India’s men’s cricket head coach, Mr. Jay Shah issued a clarification regarding the prestigious post.
Mr. Shah’s statement came hours after Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Andy Flower expressed their disinterest in applying for the role. The deadline for submitting applications is May 27.
“When we talk about international cricket, no role is more prestigious than that of the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Team India commands the largest fan base globally, enjoying support that is truly unrivalled. Our rich history and passion for the game make this one of the most lucrative jobs in the world,” Shah said in a statement on Friday.
“The role demands a high level of professionalism as one gets to nurture some of the best cricketers in the world and an assembly line of talented cricketers to follow. Catering to the aspirations of a billion fans is a huge honour, and the BCCI will pick the right candidate, capable of propelling Indian cricket forward.”
Ponting admitted to having informal discussions to gauge his interest before choosing family commitments, while Langer mentioned a conversation with KL Rahul that influenced his decision not to opt for the role. Flower, meanwhile, stressed his contentment with franchise cricket after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s loss in the IPL Eliminator.
As the search for India’s next head coach continues, it is clear that the BCCI is looking for a candidate with a profound understanding of Indian cricket, potentially paving the way for an Indian coach to take the helm.
