Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach for the Indian men's cricket team. The position will be open for a three-and-a-half-year term, commencing on July 1, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2027.The incumbent head coach, Rahul Dravid, will conclude his tenure after the T20 World Cup in the Americas next month. Dravid has been at the helm since November 2021, and his contract was extended last year due to the lack of time to appoint a new coach before India's tour of South Africa and the T20 World Cup.To be eligible for the position, candidates must meet the following criteria:* Age below 60 years* Played a minimum of 30 Tests or 50 ODIs* Served as a head coach for a full member Test nation for at least two yearsThe selection process will involve a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates. The deadline for submitting applications is May 27, 2024.The new coach will face several significant challenges during their tenure, including:* Managing the transition from batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are in the latter stages of their careers* Handling important assignments such as the away white ball series in Sri Lanka, home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and the T20 and 50-over World CupsThe BCCI's decision to seek a long-term coach suggests that they are looking for stability and continuity in the team's leadership. The new coach will have the opportunity to shape the future of Indian cricket and guide the team to success in major tournaments.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as Team India's head coach is set to expire in June 2023, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to initiate the search for his successor. The appointment of the new coach will be followed by the selection of assistant coaches for batting, bowling, and fielding, as per a report by Cricbuzz.BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Dravid's contract ends in June and that he is eligible to reapply if he desires. The new coach's tenure is expected to span three years. Shah emphasized that the decision regarding the nationality of the coach will be made by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), highlighting the BCCI's global outlook.Traditionally, the BCCI has appointed a single coach for all formats of the game. However, Shah indicated that the CAC will determine whether this practice will continue or if separate coaches will be appointed for white-ball and Test cricket.The BCCI's decision-making process will be guided by the CAC, which will evaluate candidates and make recommendations. Shah noted that there is no precedent for such a situation in India, where a head coach's tenure has ended and a new one has been appointed.The BCCI's search for a new head coach is expected to attract a wide range of candidates, both domestic and international. The successful candidate will be tasked with guiding Team India through a challenging period, including the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023 and the ICC World Test Championship final in 2023.

Rob Key, England's managing director, believes that Andrew Flintoff possesses exceptional leadership qualities and would be an ideal candidate for the England head coach position in the future. Key, a close friend of Flintoff, played a pivotal role in his return to the public eye after a serious accident in 2022.Flintoff's involvement with the England team has gradually increased since his initial unpaid role during the New Zealand series last year. He has since mentored the England Lions and is now part of the back-room staff for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.Key believes that Flintoff's personal experiences, both on and off the field, have equipped him with the emotional intelligence and empathy that are essential for effective leadership. He compares Flintoff to Ben Stokes, another former England captain known for his ability to connect with players and inspire them."Flintoff is a leader like Stokes," Key said. "He knows what it's like to struggle and come out the other end. He can relate to players and understand their challenges. He has high emotional intelligence and knows when to offer support or provide blunt honesty."Flintoff's role with England will extend into the ODI series against Pakistan before the T20 World Cup. Key sees this as a valuable opportunity for Flintoff to gain further experience in team management and squad assembly. He hopes that other former players, such as Moeen Ali and Eoin Morgan, can also be integrated into the coaching setup in the future."Flintoff is on a brilliant journey in his coaching development," Key said. "He's gaining practical experience in various roles, which is more valuable than theoretical knowledge. We want to create opportunities for former players with these skills to learn and contribute to the team."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has identified former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as a potential candidate for the head coaching role of the men's national team. The PCB is seeking a permanent head coach ahead of New Zealand's white-ball tour of Pakistan in April.Watson, currently the coach of the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has overseen a remarkable turnaround for the franchise, leading them to their first playoff qualification in five years. His impressive performance and interpersonal skills have caught the attention of the PCB.However, Watson is not the only candidate under consideration. Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy, who has a strong relationship with Pakistan cricket, is also a desired option. Sammy is currently the limited-overs coach of West Indies and the head coach of Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL.The PCB is keen to secure a head coach who can commit to a long-term role, unlike Mohammad Hafeez, who was appointed on a temporary basis for tours of Australia and New Zealand. The board is willing to offer a flexible role that allows the head coach to balance other commitments, as was the case with Mickey Arthur, who juggled his role with Derbyshire in the English county season.The appointment of coaches in Pakistan has been affected by administrative instability. Former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf removed Arthur and Bradburn after a disappointing World Cup, despite their successful tenure. The PCB is now seeking to appoint a head coach who can provide stability and long-term success for the national team.