Saba Karim appointed as BCCI General Manager, Cricket Operations

What's the story?

Former India wicket-keeper Saba Karim has been appointed as the BCCI's General Manager of Cricket Operations, it was announced by the BCCI today. Karim, who represented India in 34 ODIs and one Test, has also served as a member of the group of chief selectors in the past, having been chosen from the East Zone in 2012.

In case you didn't know...

The position of the General Manager for Cricket Operations in the BCCI had been lying vacant ever since the late Dr. MV Sridhar quit the post in September this year. At the time his name first cropped up in relation to the post, Karim had first had a meeting with captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri before being interviewed by the members of the Committee of Administrators, Vinod Rai and Diana Eduljee.

The heart of the matter

As per a statement released by the BCCI, the major responsibilities Karim will shoulder include giving strategic direction to the cricket department, implementing the operational plans, budgeting, determining and monitoring the compliance of match playing regulations, standards of venues and administration of the Domestic Program.

What's next?

Karim, 50, will start his duties from January 1, 2018 and will be reporting to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri. One of Karim's responsibilities will also include assisting Johri in meeting the Board's vision and strategy.

Author's Take

For the BCCI to appoint someone from a cricketing background who has played as many as 120 first-class games and 124 List-A matches was a very good move.

It was unfortunate that Karim's career came to a tragic end when he suffered an eye injury while keeping to Anil Kumble during the Asia Cup in Bangladesh in 2000. This appointment brings him an opportunity to serve Indian cricket yet again after being a selector.