Clash with Mithali proves costly, Powar contract not extended
BCCI seeks applications for national women’s team coach the day Powar’s tenure ended
NEW DELHI: Ramesh Powar has paid the price for his ugly spat with senior India player Mithali Raj at the World T20 in the West Indies with the cricket board refusing him contract as the Indian women cricket team’s chief coach
The former Mumbai spinner’s term ended on Friday and the BCCI promptly advertised for applications to the post with the governing body yet to give its verdict on the clash.
Powar has been involved in a war of words since Mithali’s controversial axing for the semi-finals against England, which India lost after a batting collapse.
Both Powar and Mithali have submitted their versions of the events in the Caribbean to the BCCI, which have also been published in the media. The BCCI decision comes a day after the two traded accusations in the social media.
Powar was appointed coach on August 14 and handed a contract till November 30, till the end of the tournament. He had come on board as interim coach replacing Tushar Arothe before being given full-time charge till the World T20.
The BCCI was quick to advertise for the position of Head Coach – Team India (Senior Women) on its website. “Interested candidates should send their application on or before 14th December, 2018 by 5 pm at recruitment@bcci.tv,” the advertisement read.
“The appointment of Head Coach (Senior Women) will be a full-time engagement. The contract term is for 2 years with age limit of 60 years (whichever is earlier),” it said. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on December 20.
Powar responded by tweeting, “One moment can’t define your journey.”
His position had become untenable following the war of words with Mithali. In her letter to BCCI, Mithali had hurled a series of allegations against Powar saying she was humiliated and ill-treated by the coach. She also slammed COA member Diana Edulji, a former India skipper, for defending the decision to drop her and for ‘using her position’ against her.
Powar admitted to a strained relationship with Mithali, saying the senior member was always difficult to handle and kept aloof.
The two gave their versions to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim after an uproar over Mithali’s ouster for the game which India lost by eight wickets. Powar’s term included the tour to Sri Lanka, a series in the West Indies.
The BCCI is expected to take a call on the issue, which could also impact Mithali’s position as ODI skipper.
Tushar Arothe has also quit as coach in controversial circumstances after certain players in the team complained to BCCI.