Legendary former India captain
The call for reform follows Gavaskar’s recent criticism regarding the format of the Duleep Trophy, specifically the reliance on first-innings leads to determine winners. By expanding the CAC’s mandate, Gavaskar believes the BCCI could better manage domestic and international scheduling, as well as other critical aspects of the game that currently lack high-level oversight.
Expanding the Scope of the CAC
The current iteration of the CAC, which was appointed in 2022, consists of Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik. Traditionally, the committee’s duties have been limited to the selection of the national head coach and members of the selection panel. However, Gavaskar highlighted that there is currently uncertainty regarding the committee's status and whether it remains active in its original form.
In his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar proposed that the committee be expanded to include iconic figures such as
Leveraging Expertise for Future Growth
Gavaskar emphasized that involving such high-profile former cricketers in discussions with the national team’s captain, coach, and the head of the National Cricket Academy would provide the committee with significant authority and influence. He noted that such a structure would carry a level of prestige and expertise that could effectively guide the direction of Indian cricket.
Furthermore, the former captain advocated for the implementation of a similar advisory structure for women's cricket. By creating a dedicated panel of experts for the women's game, Gavaskar believes the BCCI could ensure that the sport continues to progress through informed, experienced decision-making. While acknowledging the ambitious nature of his proposal, Gavaskar expressed that the potential impact of such a committee on the future of Indian cricket is immense.
