Zaheer Khan Joins BCCI Setup After Parting Ways With IPL Franchise

BCCI ropes in Zaheer Khan [Source: X]

In the latest development, the BCCI has roped in former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan to nurture the next line of pace bowlers in India. The legendary bowler is set to host training camps at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) from the first week of March.

The development has been confirmed by the TOI as BCCI prepares for the future, and Zaheer Khan is set to play a big role in it. The CoE is without a fast-bowling coach after Troy Cooley’s four-year stint with the BCCI ended in December, and the board is yet to finalise a replacement.

BCCI to rope in Zaheer for special role at CoE

"A batch of fast bowlers have been called up from state associations for a special fast-bowling camp from February 28-March 2 at CoE in Bengaluru under the tutelage of Zaheer. Head of Cricket at CoE VVS Laxman has taken keen interest in this initiative," a source told TOI.

"Zaheer is keen on the coaching role. He was involved with the Lucknow Super Giants and the pacer believes he can develop the next generation of fast bowlers in India. However, it is going to be interesting to see if the pacer wants to take up a full-time role with the CoE, as it requires staying away from his family," the sources added.

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What role will Zaheer play as CoE coach

As per the job description mentioned in the application posted by the BCCI, the CoE expects its coaches to work closely with the Indian coaching staff (mainly Gautam Gambhir) and at the same time, he is expected to devise plans to groom pacers.

Zaheer is likely to be on a contractual basis, with the aim of nurturing the young pacers so that they can represent India across various formats.

The coach is expected to stay in touch with the senior men’s team, understanding their requirement, and working accordingly at the CoE.

Lack of quality pacers hurting India

There was a time when the Indian team had bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma, ruling Test cricket. While Bumrah is still around, the lack of quality pacers, especially in Tests, is hurting the Asian side.

While India’s T20I bowling department looks sorted, and the ODI setup is going rather smoothly, the problem arises in red-ball cricket. Over the last few years, India has tried a plethora of pacers, and while some have worked wonders, others have failed. This would be Zaheer’s opportunity to find quality talent, and groom them for red-ball cricket.

Zaheer's coaching stint in IPL

After retiring from all forms of cricket, Zaheer was heavily involved in the IPL. He became the Director of Cricket for Mumbai Indians in 2018, and was promoted to the role of Global Head of Cricket Development in 2022.

After leaving that role, the left-arm seamer joined the Lucknow Super Giants as team mentor, but due to differences in ideologies, he parted ways with the franchise.

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