Follow UsLast week, BCCI clarified that Jasprit Bumrah is in the last phase of rehabilitation and will play a few practice matches to be organized by the National Cricket Academy in order to facilitate his swift return to the national side. In the wake of that, Jay Shah added more clarity to the pacer’s return timeline, by stating that a “completely fit” Bumrah is raring to go and the Ireland series should be the starting point of his return for India’s World Cup bid a couple of months later.
"Bumrah is completely fit, and he may be part of the Ireland series," Shah said after the meeting with state associations in New Delhi.
Even though BCCI’s contract with Disney Star ended back in March 2023, as far as the bilateral rights is concerned, the board is yet to float a new tender. The possible merger of Sony-Zee and the concern around SEBI’s approval of the merger led to the entity requesting more time to Ernst & Young - the consultant for BCCI’s media tender - and that has duly delayed the process.
However, Shah stated that the tender will be out shortly for the consulting company is doing the due diligence to proceed with the paper. That would mean India’s series against Australia in September will be the first series under the current contract system.
"Ernst & Young has been appointed, and they will be submitting a report. The tender will be out shortly. We have not yet decided whether to go for an e-auction or closed bidding; the decision is still pending," Shah informed.
The BCCI secretary has further informed that the board is looking to appoint a full-time head coach and dedicated bowling and fielding coach for the Indian Women's team after the insistence of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).
"The CAC has already conducted interviews for the head coach position and is also looking for specialized coaches for fielding and bowling. The process for these appointments will be initiated soon," he added.