Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to make better use of the vast experience available among former Indian cricketers. He believes the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) could be given a much wider role in handling important matters related to Indian cricket.

Gavaskar feels the CAC should not be limited to appointing selectors and the head coach. Instead, he suggested expanding its responsibilities to include domestic and international fixtures, scheduling and other key cricketing decisions. Writing in his column for mid-day, Gavaskar proposed a broader mandate for the advisory panel.

“Perhaps the time has come to expand the CAC and its brief of selecting the selectors and coach, and also look at fixtures — domestic and international, and all things related to Indian cricket.” The former India opener also highlighted the wealth of experience possessed by former international cricketers, arguing that their knowledge could be valuable to the BCCI when making major decisions.

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The CAC’s last known appointments were made in 2022, when Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik were named as members. Traditionally, the committee has primarily been involved in selecting the India head coach and members of the selection panel, although its present status is unclear.

Gavaskar suggested that several legendary former India players could form part of an expanded advisory committee. His list included Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Ravi Shastri, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag. “How about names like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Ravi Shastri, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag — to name a few?”

According to Sunil Gavaskar, bringing together such experienced figures could give the BCCI a strong advisory voice while dealing with the India head coach, captain and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) leadership.

He also raised the possibility of establishing a separate advisory committee for women’s cricket, allowing experienced former women cricketers to contribute to decisions concerning the women’s game. Gavaskar acknowledged that his proposal may appear ambitious but believes the idea deserves serious consideration.

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“Just thinking about this gives one the goosebumps. Will it ever happen, or is it just a dream?” His comments come amid growing discussions around how the BCCI can effectively utilise the experience of former Indian players beyond commentary and coaching roles.