From rxpgnews.com
Chappell's association with Indian cricket may continue
By Qaiser Mohammad Ali, IANS,
Apr 6, 2007 - 6:03:15 PM
Mumbai, April 6 - Greg Chappell could continue to be associated with Indian cricket after the expiry of his contract, board president Sharad Pawar said Friday, after discussing the coach's report on the recent World Cup disaster along with the other top board officials.
While Pawar did not specify the exact role for the controversial coach, it will also depend on whether Chappell would accept any new responsibility following the end of his tumultuous 22-month tenure with the Indian team that ended up with a first-round World Cup exit in the West Indies.
'Mr. Pawar was of the opinion that Mr. Greg Chappell could be associated with Indian cricket and help in the implementation of the long term plans although he is no more coach of the Indian team,' said a Board of Control for Cricket in India - statement following the first of the three meetings convened to take stock of the World Cup failure.
Pawar said that after getting World Cup reports from Chappell and team manager Sanjay Jagdale at the BCCI headquarters at the Wankhede Stadium here.
'In his - report, Mr. Chappell confined himself to issues and did not make any references to individual players,' clarified Pawar, who also 'complimented Chappell on his role as coach and his professional approach'.
India crashed out in the first round of the World Cup, losing two of the three group matches.
According to the BCCI statement, released to the large gathering of the media, Chappell made a detailed presentation on his experiences with the Indian team.
'As a coach, he too felt that he was partly responsible for the poor performance. He pointed out the shortcomings and suggested measures to improve Indian cricket. He emphasised the need to promote youngsters and concentrate on fitness and strength for the team to do well in fielding and running between wickets.'
Captain Rahul Dravid, chairman of selection committee Dilip Vengsarkar and the BCCI office-bearers also attended the meeting.
'Chappell made a detailed presentation on his experiences with the Indian team for the last 22 months,' said the statement.
During Chappell's stint, India played 62 one-day internationals, won 32, lost 27 and three matches ended in a no result'. In Test matches, India did better under the former Australia captain. They played 18 matches, won seven, lost four and drew seven.
Jagdale, Vengsarkar and Dravid, who was appointed captain will the World Cup, also made some suggestions at the meeting that was covered extensively by the media drawn from all over the country.
In the second meeting of the day, seven-eight former India captains are expected to meet the BCCI officials, including Pawar, to suggest ways to improve Indian cricket.
On Saturday, the BCCI working committee will meet. At this meeting, Pawar will apprise the members of the discussion he had with Chappell, Dravid, Jagdale, Vengsarkar and others Friday.
After the meeting, there are chances that a decision could be announced on who would be India's next captain and coach on their tour of Bangladesh in May.
But going by its way of functioning, the BCCI could first announce a special committee that would help in finding a coach. There are several names doing the rounds.
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