Just a day after it was learnt that BCCI will appoint the new team manager for the Indian team, it has come to notice that COA will only allow former players to apply for the post of the team manager.

The decision has been taken in wake of recent progressions that have taken place in the Indian dressing room. As per the reports, there was no role of the team manager and he was just another person in the arena. Neither he convened meeting during the home season due to the tussle between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble nor did he arrange any meeting between coach and captain. (Read Here: Details Of Report Submitted By Indian Team Manager)

“Only cricketers can become managers. Cricketers who have played First-Class or international cricket. We discussed whether members who have done a good job in the past should be allowed to take part in the application process. However, we felt having cricketers as managers will help because they can understand what players’ needs are. Those cricketers who are having any post in associations can apply but will have to give up their post once picked,” sources in the BCCI informed The India Express.

Just after Kumble left the job, BCCI asked for a report from Kapil Malhotra – team India’s manager who has given clean chit to both the men but has mentioned about no communication between them. He also defended himself by mentioning that he used to convene selection meetings on the eve of the matches during ICC Champions Trophy, which was attended by all concerned authorities. (Read Here: BCCI To Appoint New Team Manager For Two Years)

The role of a team manager is still unclarified, as BCCI appoints them on tour to tour basis and in fear of being axed, never a team manager has said against captain but now BCCI has decided to give team manager a contract of two years – till 2019 World Cup – which will give him freedom to come out in open about what happens in the dressing room. A former player for the job can be the best thing and surely the idea of the board to appoint a person who has an experience of playing the game would a good step.