More India 'A' tours abroad, suggests BCCI advisory committee

Work in progress with BCCI’s new advisory committee

Kolkata, June 6 (IANS) The new Indian cricket board advisory committee - the trio of former greats Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and V.V.S. Laxman - on Saturday suggested more India 'A' team tours overseas to ensure the young talents are better equipped to cope with the pressures of competitive cricket keeping in mind the upcoming World Twenty20.

"The three of them (Ganguly, Tendulkar and Laxman) have suggested more overseas tours for the India 'A' team so that they are in tune with competitive cricket and we have a good bench strength for the future, keeping in mind the upcoming T20 World Cup" Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Anurag Thakur told media persons here at the Eden Gardens.

Thakur also confirmed that the troika has agreed to spare some time to help the senior as also the Under-19 teams perform better.

"They have confirmed that they would be available for helping the teams out, taking time out of their busy schedule. If need be the trio can even travel with the team, but they are not going to Bangladesh," said Thakur.

The Talent Research Development project, that was started back in 2001 under current BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, would also be revived to spot sporting talents across the country.

"The Talent Research Development Officers (TRDOs) would help spot raw cricketing talent across the length and width of India," he said.

The State Associations were urged to revamp their facilities keeping in mind the National Cricket Academy (NCA) which will be the centre of excellence.

"The state associations should revamp their facilities. The NCA will be the centre for excellence and we will be taking in more physios and coaches in the near future.

"Coaches and trainers would also be appointed for the teams so that we can have a pyramid like structure where from top to bottom, similar coaching and facilities are available to all.

"One important recommendation was that to select a pool of 15 fast bowlers and 15 spinners and have specialist coaches training them," he said.

Questioned if the advisory committee will be paid for their services, Thakur said,: "All members of the advisory committee are honorary, and they will be accountable to the BCCI."

Speaking on the future of team director Ravi Shastri, who was retained for the tour to Bangladesh, the BCCI secretary said: "Let us not speculate, the matter will be resolved soon and we have asked for recommendations from the committee to decide upon it."