BCCI has appointed former India gloveman Saba Karim as General Manager, Cricket Operations on Saturday. As per the BCCI release, Karim will be responsible for executing operational procedures, budgeting, controlling the match playing conditions and administration of the Domestic program.

The former wicket-keeper will take on the role from January 1, 2018, and will report directly to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri who welcomed Karim onboard in a Tweet following the official announcement.

BCCI’s press release read: “Some of the major responsibilities of Karim include giving strategic direction to the cricket department, implementing the operational plans, budgeting, determining and monitoring the compliance of match playing regulations, standards of venues, administration of Domestic Program.”

@BCCI announces Saba Karim as the new GM Cricket Operations – Welcome Onboard, look forward to working with you.

— Rahul Johri (@RJohri) December 23, 2017

The 50-year-old has an immense knowledge of the game and his experience, both at the international and domestic level will surely help BCCI to achieve their goals. He represented India in just one Test and 34 ODIs. In domestic cricket, he represented Bengal and then Jharkhand in a career spanning close to 18 years. He played 120 first-class matches and 124 List ‘A’ matches. In an administrative level, he was appointed a national selector from the East Zone in 2012 and after completing his term; he took over as a TV commentator.

The board had been looking for officials following the resignation of Dr MV Sridhar as the GM, Cricket Operations. BCCI had called for applications until October 23. The applicants were further shortlisted and called for personal interviews.