Mumbai coach job could be Amol Muzumdar's

Amol Muzumdar

Mumbai and domestic cricket stalwart Amol Muzumdar could well be Mumbai's coach for the forthcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting February 20.

Last Friday, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) wrote to the Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) stating that Muzumdar was appointed coach, while CIC chief Lalchand Rajput preferred Ramesh Powar, looking at his "international coaching credentials."

The bizarre appointment drama forced the MCA bigwigs and veteran administrators to step in.

On Monday, Rajput in an email to the MCA secretary Sanjay Naik, provided more than a hint of disappointment: "Looking at Mumbai cricket's interest, the CIC feels that the MCA president and office-bearers can use their powers to supersede CIC's decision and appoint Amol Muzumdar as the coach of the Mumbai team for this season till March 2021."

The former India batsman and coach of the 2007 World T20-winning Indian team, added in his communication: "The original candidate for Mumbai coach was Sulakshan Kulkarni, who was offered three months, which he refused. Then, Amit Pagnis was appointed for three months and the selectors were appointed for three months till March 2021. Hence, this appointment should also be in line with earlier appointments."