BCCI didn’t approach Australians for coaching role: Jay Shah
Secretary Jay Shah has clarified reports that the BCCI initiated conversations with former Australian cricketers for the soon-to-be-vacant India head coach job.
Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain, revealed on The ICC Review he had ‘one-on-one conversations during the IPL’ regarding his interest in the role.
Justin Langer, former opener and head coach of Australia, had also been linked to the role in media reports.
However, Shah said the board hadn’t approached the Australians.
"Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer," Shah said in a statement. "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."
Ponting, who didn’t say it was anyone from the BCCI who spoke to him, said the multiple conversations he had made him think about his career and life priorities.
"I've seen a lot of reports about it,” Ponting said, when asked if he’d be interested in the role.
“Normally these things pop up on social media before you even know about them, but there were a few little one-on-one conversations during the IPL, just to get a level of interest from me as to whether I would do it.
"I'd love to be a senior coach of a national team, but with the other things that I have in my life and wanting to have a bit of time at home…everyone knows if you take a job working with the Indian team you can't be involved in an IPL team, so it would take that out of it as well.
"Also, a national head coach is a 10 or 11-month of the year job, and as much as I'd like to do it, it just doesn't fit into my lifestyle right now and the things that I really enjoy doing."
Dravid’s time as India head coach is set to end after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.
The tournament begins on 1 June in the West Indies and the USA.
Limited tickets remain available for all matches in New York, including access to the Premium Club and the exclusive Diamond Club, where fans can rub shoulders with the legends of the game in the best seats in the house. Watch India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh, Canada, Ireland and our hosts USA and be part of history at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Visit tickets.t20worldcup.com to get your tickets.