BCCI Decision on Team India Coach Likely on June 24

The Working Committee of the Cricket Board is to meet in Dharamsala on June 24 to take stock of matters, including appointment of the Indian team's head coach.

Although BCCI sources said "it's the normal agenda" (about ratification of decisions taken by various sub committees), the all-powerful panel is expected to rubber stamp the identification of a new coach less than a fortnight before the Indian squad leaves for the West Indies.

The Board has invited applications for the head coach's post through its website and has received 57 applications, including those of former India captain Anil Kumble, former team director Ravi Shastri and current selection panel chairman Sandeep Patil.

The applications are to be gone through and a shorter list to be prepared before the BCCI will zero-in on their man for occupying the hot seat which was vacated by Zimbabwean Duncan Fletcher after India's tour of England in 2014.

Apart from the naming of the head coach, the Working Committee also has to ratify the decisions taken by the Board's Technical Committee, including holding of Ranji Trophy games in the upcoming season at neutral venues.

Quite a few voices have been heard from cricket circles against this decision and, with the Ranji Trophy coaches and captains conclave set to be held a day earlier at the same place, the Working Committee will have the benefit of details of deliberations which would have taken place there too.

Also this is, by all accounts, expected to be the last meeting of the Working Committee before the Supreme Court gives its verdict on the Justice Lodha Committee's recommendations for sweeping reforms in the Board.

As such there could be debates and discussions on this all-important issue too at the June 24 meeting.