The BCCI reversed its decision of not appointing an administrative manager for the Indian team's ongoing tour of Ireland, Scotland and England, by appointing one for the Test and one-day series in England.
After the Hindustan Times reported on Tuesday that the Board had made up its mind on not appointing a manager for the 12-week long tour, Board secretary Niranjan Shah told HT that same evening that they would appoint one for the England leg, adding that they "will announce the name in a day or two".
Shah kept his word and on Thursday, the Board announced in a press release: "Rocky Rufus of the Baroda Cricket Association is appointed as Administrative Manager for the Test Series against England and (BCCI vice-president) Rajeev Shukla is Administrative Manager for the ODI Series against England."
While Shukla has been with the team as manager earlier, Rufus's appointment is a surprise. A customs official from Baroda, he was the liaison officer for the Sri Lanka team during last year's Champions Trophy.
The appointment reflects the BCCI's failure to implement its plan of appointing professional managers. Asked whether the appointment of two separate managers was due to the duration of the series, Shah said: "The Board usually gives an opportunity for its member units while appointing tour managers. That is what we have continued with."
{{/usCountry}}The appointment reflects the BCCI's failure to implement its plan of appointing professional managers. Asked whether the appointment of two separate managers was due to the duration of the series, Shah said: "The Board usually gives an opportunity for its member units while appointing tour managers. That is what we have continued with."
{{/usCountry}}Shah defended the nomination of Shukla and Rufus. "Both the managers are capable of fulfilling their responsibilities," he said.
Vengsarkar for Test series
Meanwhile, Shah said selection committee chief, Dilip Vengsarkar, will be with the team through the Tests. "Vengsarkar is likely to join them a couple of days before the first Test (on July 19)," Shah said.
A BCCI constitutional clause bars selectors from being part of the on-tour selection committee. Shah, however, stressed that Vengsarkar will be a part of the committee. "Despite the clause, Vengsarkar will be in the selection committee in England since he is the chairman of selectors," he said. "And I don't think anyone will object to it."