Former Indian captain and now India A, U-19 coach Rahul Dravid’s contract has been renewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for two years. Dravid on Friday confirmed that he will continue as India A and under-19 coach for the next two years.
In April 2016, the board’s payment details released on their official website informed that the former India captain was roped in for a professional fee of nearly Rs 2.62 crore and the second installment of which, around Rs 1.3 crore, was paid to him on April 2.
After consultation lasting more than two weeks, Dravid and BCCI agreed to the figure of Rs 5 crore for the former batsman, which is a 100 percent increase from what he was paid under his previous contract. The new agreement means that the former India batsman would now be working with the junior teams only, without any outside commitments, during this period.
“Rahul Dravid is known for the discipline and commitment he brings to the table. He has been successful in grooming the youngsters in the last two years. I wish him all the very best for his assignments with the two teams for the next two years,” BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said.
The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrator (COA) decided to have a 12-month contract for all India coaches and support staff to avoid any conflict of interest. Earlier, the Indian board handed over 10-month contracts to its coaches and they were allowed to be part of the IPL. Since renewing the new contract with the BCCI, he has reportedly quit the Delhi-based IPL franchise.
Despite having a two-year contract, Dravid had already expressed his eagerness to continue as a coach but had sought more time from the Indian board. Accepting BCCI’s offer means Dravid can’t be part of media houses or do any commentary stint either.
Now, Dravid will head to South Africa with India A and will not be traveling with India under-19 as both tours will go on simultaneously. The India A side will leave in the last week of July to play a 50-over tri-series, also involving Australia A, followed by two four-day matches against the hosts.
The India under-19 side will be on an England tour from July 19 for nearly a month.
“He (Dravid) will go with India A tour to look after fringe players. There will be also one series with New Zealand A post the South Africa trip. Rahul will be available with India under-19 in the month of October. As the under-19 World Cup is next year itself, he will be getting four months with the players,” a BCCI official said.