(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The vacant position for the Indian women’s cricket team head coach since December 2022 has finally been filled by Amol Muzumdar, as expected. The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India announced on Wednesday that Muzumdar is all set to take the place of the former head coach Ramesh Powar, who was sacked by the BCCI last year.
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which includes Ms. Sulakshana Naik, Mr. Ashok Malhotra, and Mr. Jatin Paranjape, conducted interviews with the candidates for the position and collectively endorsed Muzumdar for the role. Notably, the interviews of the shortlisted candidates were done a few months back, but the official appointment has been made after a long gap.
In the absence of a full-time gaffer, former India cricketer and National Cricket Academy (NCA) staffer Hrishikesh Kanitkar was given the responsibility on an interim basis and he did a pretty good job. Under his guidance, the Indian women’s team won the gold medal in the Asian Games 2023 held in Hangzhou.
In a press release of the BCCI, the President of the Indian cricket board Roger Binny welcomed the new head coach, saying, “I welcome the appointment of Mr. Amol Muzumdar as the Head Coach of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. I am confident that under his tenure, the team will continue to rise and perform well across different formats of the game. The team has consistently delivered impressive performances in bilateral and multi-nation events, and I am certain our players will benefit immensely under Mr. Muzumdar’s guidance and roadmap.”
BCCI secretary Jay Shah, in a statement, congratulated Muzumdar on his appointment and acknowledged that the board will lend great support to the newly appointed coach during his tenure.
“I thank the CAC for conducting a thorough evaluation and selection process to identify the new Head Coach for our national team and I congratulate Mr. Amol Muzumdar on his appointment. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise and possesses a keen understanding of the modern game. The BCCI is strongly committed to women’s cricket and will continue to provide an environment necessary for the team to excel both on and off the field. The Board will fully support Mr. Muzumdar and work closely with him to help our players reach their full potential.”
Regarding Muzumdar’s stats in the domestic circuit, the Mumbai-born batter accumulated more than 11,000 runs in 171 first-class matches, which includes 30 centuries, throughout his remarkable 20-year career. Additionally, he has participated in more than 100 List A matches and 14 T20s.
“I am deeply honoured and privileged to be appointed as the Head Coach of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. I thank the CAC and the BCCI for placing their trust in me and believing in my vision and the roadmap for Team India. This is a huge responsibility and I look forward to working closely with talented players and providing them with the right preparation and guidance to excel. The next two years are extremely important as two World Cups are scheduled in the period. Together with the coaching and support staff, we will look to tick every box and give ourselves the best chance to succeed,” said Muzumdar after his appointment.