A view of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. (PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore)
Concerns Raised Before CAC Selection Process
On Friday, Grover communicated his concerns to the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) via email, urging them to review relevant records and rules prior to finalizing proposed appointments. The email, which has been obtained by TimesofIndia.com, was sent to CAC members and also shared with senior officials at the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Grover emphasized the importance of thorough examination before the selection process concludes.
Manu Nayyar has been appointed as selector for the senior men’s team and Varun Sood as assistant coach for the men’s U-19 team. There are 22 coaches, including head coaches, assistant coaches, bowling coaches and fielding coaches, appointed across the senior men’s team to the U-14 level, while 18 have been appointed across various women’s teams. It is worth noting that there was an issue with Nayyar’s availability last season as he was reportedly missing due to committments in an overseas league, when the teams were being picked at DDCA. Meanwhile, Grover emphasised that the concerns had been communicated before the completion of the selection process and, therefore, should be considered by the CAC before any appointment was finalised.
We are all thinking about the betterment of Delhi cricket, and these accusations are needless,” said a recipient of the email. He said the committee should satisfy itself that all eligibility conditions and prescribed criteria had been complied with. Grover acknowledged that continuity could have its merits but urged the CAC to exercise “greater care and circumspection” while selecting coaches and selectors. He said recent performances, along with eligibility, experience and the overall requirements of Delhi cricket, should be taken into account when making the appointments.
“All the rules have been followed diligently. Everyone who has been appointed has played cricket at the highest level. They have been in the system for a long time. Manu Nayyar is yet to complete his five-year term, whereas Varun has recently retired from playing cricket and knows a thing or two about how modern-day cricket functions. Former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya has been reappointed as head coach of the Delhi Ranji Trophy team as the DDCA named coaches, mentors and High Performance Centre staff, with several former players and their sons also finding assignments in the appointments. His concern comes against the backdrop of what he described as disappointing performances by Delhi cricket.