Former Indian fast bowler Praveen Kumar has submitted an application for a position on the BCCI’s junior selection panel. The 39-year- old from Uttar Pradesh says he hopes to give something back to the sport.
Talking to the Indian Express, he revealed, “Yes, I have applied for the junior selection committee. I have retired, and I wanted to contribute to cricket. I have done coaching before, and I was a selector in UPCA earlier, so I thought of applying.”
Kumar played 6 Test matches, 68 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India, building a career that solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s most reliable swing bowlers in favourable conditions. Since retiring, he has been engaged in coaching and formerly served as a selector for the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association- an experience he referenced when justifying his decision to apply. The new junior selection panel is scheduled to take over from the current committee led by S Sharath, offering five positions across the country’s zones.
Applications for the BCCI opened on August 24, and the new panel will take over from the one led by S Sharath. It has invited applications for five positions, each carrying unique responsibilities. The committee will choose age-group teams up to Under-22 to participate in coaching camps and in India’s junior matches against domestic and international opponents, both at home and abroad, across all formats. According to a BCCI press release, it will identify players by observing domestic and international matches and assist in developing a talent pool and strengthening the bench for junior teams.
Kumar’s stated motivation stems from a wish to give back to the game following his departure from playing. His experience in both coaching and state-level selection at UPCA seems to have instilled in him confidence that he can make a meaningful contribution at the national junior level. Kumar’s application comes after his experience in domestic cricket administration via UPCA, which has given him practical insight into the state-level selection process before he aims for a national role.
