Missing IPL a bizarre move by board selectors

Establishing a transparent process is a step forward but BCCI rules still give the president a veto over the Indian team.

Last season these posts were advertised, with an eligibility criterion of minimum 50 first-class games. After applications were shortlisted and candidates interviewed, Sarandeep Singh, Debang Gandhi and Jatin Paranjpe made the cut.

Establishing a transparent process is a step forward but BCCI rules still give the president a veto over the Indian team. It’s odd that qualified selectors pick the team but theoretically the president still has the final say.

Like the BCCI, the DDCA also decided to clean up selection issues. It too advertised the posts after incorporating the Lodha Committee guidelines, including conflict of interest and eligibility. In fact, the DDCA had stiffer eligibility criteria compared to the BCCI because representing India and playing 20 first-class games was a must. A state selector therefore was more qualified than a national selector.

Delhi overlooked off-spinner Sarandeep Singh, one of the applicants for the R6 lakh per annum job. It was a blessing; He made it to the national selection panel which gave him R60 lakh as annual salary. Selection is a thankless job. It was whispered the MSK Prasad-led national panel was ‘lightweight’.

Yet these very selectors made inspired calls and India are the top Test team in the world, boosted by quality talent on the bench.