No auto extension for Kumble, BCCI invites applications

New Delhi : The Indian cricket board (BCCI) today invited applications for the post of head coach, making it clear that Anil Kumble will not get an automatic extension after his term expires at the end of the Champions Trophy. The interested candidates can apply by May 31, and they will be interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. “To ensure a fair and transparent process, a nominee of the Committee of Administrators (COA) will oversee the entire process along with CAC,” BCCI said in a press release.BCCI joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary said the board was happy with Kumble’s performance, and they were just following a due procedure. “A process has been followed. There is nothing unusual about it. His contract is getting over on June 20, and we need to have a coach by June 21. He can obviously apply again. BCCI is happy with Kumble’s performance. The coach will be chosen not by anyone in BCCI, it will be done by Ganguly, Tendulkar and Laxman,” said Chaudhary. Despite Chaudhary insisting that the board was merely following a process, the timing of the announcement makes it clear that the top brass isn’t happy with the legendary leg-spinner.It has been learnt that Kumble’s demand for a massive hike in yearly retainers for the players and support staff has irked BCCI’s top brass. “BCCI could have waited till the end of the Champions Trophy to invite the applications. But then no one should take his place for granted,” said a BCCI official.  “Kumble is bargaining for himself as well as the players. Fair enough, but tomorrow if BCCI decides to replace him, he will not be in a position to bargain. Some of his demands have been simply inexplicable,” the official said.