Just a few days after steering himself clear of the ‘conflict of interest’ controversy, former India skipper Rahul Dravid may find himself at the centre of yet another controversy.
The batting legend was recently handed a contract extension as India’s Under-19 and India ‘A’ coach and the board’s decision is now looking destined to be questioned by many, as Dravid is likely to miss India’s Under-19 tour of England starting from 15 of this month.
Read More: (Rahul Dravid to continue as India’s U-19 and India’s A coach)
Dravid was recently handed a two-year contract extension for a whopping amount of close to Rs 5 crore per annum but the looks set to be embroiled in a controversy for not accompanying the Under-19 players to England in order to go to South Africa with India ‘A’ for the series, which too will take place in mid-July.
The series will consist of a tri-series featuring India ‘A’, Australia ‘A’ and hosts South Africa ‘A’. It will be followed by two four-day games between India and the Proteas.
According to a report in The Times of India, although Dravid will miss the tour of England, he will supervise the pre-tour camp for the Under-19 players which will begin in Bangalore on Tuesday (July 4).
“We’ll appoint a coach in place of Dravid for the India U-19 team,” a top BCCI official was quoted as saying by the news outlet.
The preparatory camp, however, will kick start without the assistant coaches of the team – Paras Mhambrey (bowling) and Abhay Sharma (fielding). The BCCI official said that until the coaching staffs gets rid of the conflict of interest issue, they would not get the contract from the board.
“Everyone will have to get their conflict of interest issues cleared before they sign contracts with us, and we’ll give everyone a 12-month contract now,” added the source.
With less than a fortnight remaining before the team departs for England, the backroom staff is still not finalised but the official said that the board will sort out the issue soon. The source also revealed that there will be a physio, trainer and video analyst to assist Dravid during the camp.
“We’ll soon announce the entire coaching staff for the England trip,” assured the official.