The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, has denied claims that he or the BCCI approached any former Australian cricketer for the role of head coach of the Indian cricket team. As Rahul Dravid’s tenure is set to end after the T20 World Cup in June, Shah called these reports “completely incorrect.” He stressed the importance of the head coach having an extensive knowledge of domestic cricket in India.
“Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect. Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks. It’s crucial that our coach has an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket framework to truly elevate Team India to the next level,” Jay Shah stated.
Jay Shah also emphasized that the head coach of the Indian cricket team holds the most prestigious role in international cricket. He highlighted that this position demands a high level of professionalism.
“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 unrivaled. Our rich history and passion for the game make this one of the most lucrative jobs in the world. 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 honor, and the BCCI will pick the right candidate capable of propelling Indian cricket forward,” he added.
Following India’s failure to win the ICC Cricket World Cup at home last November, despite reaching the finals, head coach Rahul Dravid’s contract was extended until June. This extension covers the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, scheduled from June 1 to 29.
Earlier this month, the BCCI invited applications for the position of head coach for the men’s national team. The tenure starts on July 1, 2024, and ends on December 31, 2027, coinciding with the next 50-over Cricket World Cup. The application deadline is May 27 at 6 PM. The selection process will involve a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates.