Bevan to coach state Ranji team

CUTTACK: The Orissa Cricket Association appointed Australian cricketer Michael Bevan chief coach of the state’s Ranji Trophy team for a whopping Rs 16 lakh a month on Monday. The remuneration excludes hotel accommodation and flight and living expenses. Bevan will be in charge of the team from October 2011 to February 2012. Besides, he will also oversee cricketing activities of the OCA.
“Bevan will work for us without any break. After the IPL, which is only for a few weeks, he will again be free and devote himself to Orissa,” OCA secertary Ashirbad Behera said. The Australian will coach Kings XI for the upcoming IPL IV.
“We decided to pay Rs 16 lakh a month to Bevan after Artha Tatwa Infra (India) Limited agreed to help us with Rs 50 lakh. We can meet the expenses of Bevan with that money,” Behera said. Talks were also on with other corporate houses for sponsorship.
Dubbed one of the world’s best one-day players, Bevan has been asked to improve the technique of cricketers, coaches and other support staff. For the past one week, he has been in town offering suggestions for the betterment of cricket in the state.
“There is no dearth of talented players in Orissa. With proper coaching and guidance, things will definitely change and players will improve. I hope I can give good results,” Bevan said.
To strengthen cricket at the grassroots, Bevan has proposed formation of under-14 teams to tap and nurture young talents. Some OCA members said Bevan could take Orissa cricket to greater heights.
In 2008-09, the OCA had hired Venkatpathy Raju to coach its team. But the former Indian cricketer quit before completing his term.