BCCI rejected Zaheer Khan's claim to be bowling coach

BCCI recently turned down Zaheer Khan’s bid to be the next bowling coach for the Indian cricket team owing to the financial demands made by the left-arm pacer. Sources close to the Times Of India informed them that the BCCI were not willing to match Zaheer Khan’s financial terms and conditions.

The current Indian coaching setup comprises of Anil Kumble as the head coach, Sanjay Bangar as the batting coach and Ramakrishnan Sridhar as the fielding coach. The addition of Zaheer Khan as bowling coach would have made the setup complete and added another dimension to it.

However, there were a few sticking points that led to the deal not falling through. First, the BCCI were unwilling to meet Zaheer Khan’s salary demand of 4 crores for 100 days work. Further, it appears that Zaheer wasn’t in a position to take the role on a full-time basis. Due to how expensive the deal would be, the BCCI decided better than to hire him at the moment.

“The process to involve Zaheer was to have his services over a long period. It was turning out to be an expensive deal, and BCCI lost interest in hiring him. Zaheer also has a few things lined up and he can't be a full-time coach right now," a source close to TOI informed them.

Anil Kumble made it clear that he was looking to hire a full-time bowling coach to guide the pacers, and he felt that Zaheer would fit the bill perfectly, approving him for the role. Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble had played together for India for a number of years and have a combined 1547 international wickets between them.

Zaheer represented India in 92 Tests taking 311 wickets and played 200 ODIs taking 282 wickets, making him the perfect choice for bowling coach. Further, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in Indian cricket and spearheaded a revolution in pace bowling with his accurate lines.

When he lost his pace a few years after his debut, he concentrated on swing-bowling and outsmarting the batsman to great effect.

A major reason for Zaheer not wanting to take the job on a full-time basis is the fact that he wants to represent the Delhi Daredevils franchise in the 2017 IPL, and continue in the role of bowling mentor for them.

However, there is a belief that Zaheer should be roped in on an immediate basis to guide the Indian bowlers over the next few months, so that they are geared perfectly when India face tougher challenges playing abroad.

While Zaheer doesn’t join the coaching staff immediately, there remains a feeling that he might soon link up with his good friend Anil Kumble at the helm.