BCCI set to appoint Zaheer Khan as fast bowling in-charge at Centre of Excellence

In a massive development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has roped in legendary Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan to take charge of pace-bowling development ahead of the new season. He will be taking charge in early March. The BCCI was looking for a Troy Cooley replacement to fill the vacancy of a fast-bowling coach.

With India’s pool of fast bowlers under scrutiny and first-choice options getting low in numbers across formats, the board hopes a player of Zaheer’s calibre will help groom the next generation of quicks. The veteran pacer is expected to lead specialised training camps at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru once settled in, focusing on upcoming talent identified from state circuits.

“A selected group of pace bowlers from various state associations has been called up to attend a dedicated fast-bowling camp scheduled from February 28 to March 2 at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The programme will be overseen by Zaheer Khan, and CoE’s Head of Cricket, VVS Laxman, has shown strong interest in driving this initiative forward,” a reliable source was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

“Zaheer has shown strong interest in moving into coaching. His recent stint with Lucknow Super Giants reflects his desire to contribute to the development of young players. It’s encouraging that a fast bowler of his experience and reputation is open to being part of BCCI initiatives. However, whether he is ready to accept a full-time position at the Centre of Excellence remains uncertain, as such a role would demand significant time and commitment away from his family,” the source further added.

Upon his official appointment, Zaheer would work closely with the Indian team’s support staff to design structured programmes aimed at bolstering India’s fast-bowling stocks ahead of future tours and ICC events. 

For the unversed, Zaheer Khan is one of India’s greatest fast bowlers to ever grace the game. In 309 international matches, the left-arm pacer has picked up a staggering 610 wickets with a career best of 6/71. He is India’s sixth highest wicket-taker ever and among the most decorated pacers the country has produced.