Anurag Thakur - Decision on India’s next coach soon

Anurag Thakur – Decision on India’s next coach soon: Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Mr. Anurag Thakur opened up in a candid interview with the TOI about the implications of IPL verdict, the conflict of interest issues, the proposed India Pakistan series and much more. When asked about the board appointing a full time coach for the national team, Thakur replied that the three-member cricket committee, which includes big names like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, had been entrusted with the job of suggesting names for the post of chief coach and BCCI will wait for their suggestions. On whether Ravi Shastri will continue further in his role as Team Director Thakur was non committal and said that as of now Ravi would continue till the Sri Lanka series. “We will probably take a call on the coaching staff before the South Africa tour begins at home in October. If the cricket committee suggests the name of a coach, the board will pursue it and do the needful. Till then, the current arrangement will continue”. Thakur added.

When enquired about the future of the IPL he said “We have formed a committee which is looking into every detail to ensure IPL happens with eight teams next year. We will talk to the broadcaster, franchises and different stakeholders before taking a call on the teams”.

And when the all important question regarding the restoration of Indo Pak cricketing ties came Thakur was unequivocal and direct in his response “I condemn the terror attacks in Gurdaspur. Cricket and terror cannot go hand in hand. Pakistan needs to know that cricket can’t be played when the security and peace of our nation are affected. I understand that playing sport is a different thing, but our internal security is important. If you talk about cricket with Pakistan, we must understand that life of every Indian is very important to us. As I see my responsibility as BCCI secretary, as a Parliamentarian, life of every Indian is very important to me. It’s not only about cricket, it’s about my country”.