The term of the former India captain and leg-spinner as coach of his national team looks set to be extended until the end of the West Indies tour next month, a top official has said.
Beyond Champions Trophy
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) advertised for a coach in May with Kumble’s one-year deal due to expire at the end of the Champions Trophy this week. The first one-day international in the West Indies just 10 days away with Kumble in the mix for the post along with former India opening batsman Virender Sehwag and Tom Moody, the former Australia all-rounder and experienced coach.
Yet to decide long term
But Vinod Rai, chairman of the Committee of Administrators, said a special panel – including former India cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman – was yet to decide if someone else will take the reins. “Since it has got delayed, Anil Kumble, subject to his acceptance, will be there till the West Indies tour,” Rai said.
Series in Caribbean
India will play five ODIs in the Caribbean starting June 23, with a Twenty20 international wrapping up the trip on July 9.
Rumoured rift
Rumours of a rift between Kumble and India captain Virat Kohli were reported to be behind the BCCI throwing open the position. But Rai, whose special committee was assigned by the Supreme Court to oversee the scandal-ridden board, dismissed the allegations. “There is no question of any controversy. We discussed with Kohli, we discussed with Kumble and neither of them confirmed to what has come out of media reports,” Rai said.
Controversy
Rai’s committee has been rocked by the resignation of a high-profile member, historian Ramachandra Guha, who cited the committee’s mishandling of the Kumble situation.
* Agence France-Presse
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