The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently dealing with the absence of a permanent chief selector after Chetan Sharma’s dismissal following a sting operation. Sharma was caught discussing confidential information related to Team India players and selection processes, leading to his removal from the position. This incident sheds light on the struggles faced by the BCCI in attracting prominent figures for the role of chief selector.
In recent years, renowned personalities have been hesitant to apply for the national selector’s job, primarily due to a lack of stature associated with the role. According to reports, the relatively lower pay compared to other avenues, such as broadcasting, advertisements, and academies, discourages prominent former cricketers from considering the position seriously. While the chairman of the senior selection panel earns ₹1 crore annually, and the other members receive ₹90 lakh per annum, the compensation is considered less appealing given the financial potential of alternative opportunities.
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Prominent figures like Virender Sehwag, who was previously approached to apply for the head coach’s position during the Committee of Administrators’ (CoA) tenure, are unlikely to express interest in the chief selector role due to the financial aspect and their standing in the cricketing world. “It is unlikely he will apply himself, and also, the pay package isn’t something that will be financially viable for someone of his stature,” revealed a BCCI official, speaking on anonymity.
The situation is further compounded by the fact that other notable players, including Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, and Harbhajan Singh, who have retired recently, are yet to meet the required five-year retirement period. Unless the BCCI relaxes this criterion and considers the period since the last international game, these players are ineligible for the position.
Critics argue that the BCCI has the financial means to offer a more lucrative package, suggesting a salary of at least ₹4-5 crore for the chairman of selectors. This approach could potentially resolve conflicts of interest issues and entice prominent players to join the selection committee. Without such measures, a chairman of selectors without a certain pedigree might struggle to assert themselves in selection meetings when facing formidable personalities like Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, or Rahul Dravid.
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The report recalls the tenure of former chairman Dilip Vengsarkar, who, faced with a crucial decision between S Badrinath and Virat Kohli, had the confidence to back Kohli based on his observations from India A matches in Australia. The ability to stand their ground in the face of influential figures has been instrumental in the success of previous chairmen, as exemplified by Vengsarkar’s choices during his tenure.
The challenges faced by the BCCI in attracting prominent names for the chief selector role highlight the need for a more enticing package and the relaxation of certain criteria to ensure the selection committee comprises individuals with the necessary experience and stature to make informed decisions for Indian cricket.
