The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited fresh applications to fill the head coach and support staffs which will be vacant after the series against West Indies. Meanwhile, the current position holders tenure came to an end after the World Cup, but BCCI decided to extend it by 45 days.
Last week, reports emerged that former Sri Lanka cricketer Mahela Jayawardene has thrown his hat in the ring for the high profile job.
However, Cricket Age understands that the Mumbai Indians coach has not applied for the post.
Post the World Cup exit, the current crop of support staffs has attracted a lot of criticism. India topped the points table after the group stages but lost to New Zealand in the semifinals to bow out of the competition. Since then, certain sections of people have voiced their opinion to remove the incumbent group of support staffs from their position. The new applications have attracted quite a few exciting names. Among them, reports emerged that Mahela Jayawardene has made himself available for the high-profile job.
However, contrary to reports, the batsman-turned-coach seemed not interested. Mahela is presently working with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, and that is where he will continue to work. He has been successful with the Mumbai franchise and shares a great rapport with its owners.
“Right now, he doesn’t want to associate with an international team as it could be very hectic. At the moment, he is enjoying his time as a t20 franchise coach with various teams” a source, who is very close to Mahela, told Cricket Age.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly also said on Friday that Mahela has not applied for the top post. Ganguly said there were not many big names in the fray this time around.
“Going by the applicants, I don’t see any heavyweight names. I heard Mahela (Jayawardene) would apply but ultimately he didn’t. There are not many big names who have applied for the coach’s job” Ganguly said yesterday after unveiling a new range of men’s collection by Senco & Diamonds.
Meanwhile, BCCI is likely to delay the hiring process due to CAC members taking time to give the conflict of interest undertaking. Earlier reports said the apex body will declare the name of the coach within mid of August, but it is likely to get postponed by a few days.
