KSCA invites applications for key cricketing roles

BENGALURU: After nearly two decades, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has decided to invite applications for a range of cricketing roles, including coaches and selectors.Until now, the association has largely relied on internal screening of interested candidates. However, the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), at a meeting on Saturday, resolved to adopt an open application process.The CAC comprises former internationals Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Joshi, along with their former teammate KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad and vice-president Sujith Somasundar.Applications have been invited for key roles such as selectors, coaches, performance analysts, masseurs and sidearm specialists across age-group and senior teams for both men and women. Positions are also open at the KSCA high-performance academy.“It’s about transparency, integrity, honesty and value-driven processes put in place by the CAC, which comprises some of the best cricketers,” Somasundar told TOI.Explaining the rationale behind the decision, he added, “When you open it up for people to apply, you have a wider choice. People who are good and not on our radar might apply as well. It’s fair that we open it up so that we cover everybody in the cricketing fraternity to apply and be heard.”For coaching roles, the minimum eligibility criterion is a BCCI Level 1 certification, with an upper age limit of 60.Selectors for various age groups and senior teams must have represented Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, while women selectors should have played for the state senior women’s team. Applicants should not hold any conflicting roles under the BCCI or its affiliated bodies.While applications are open to candidates from across the country, Somasundar said the association would prefer suitable candidates from within Karnataka.“We prefer somebody from the state because it aligns with our vision of creating opportunities not just for players but also for other stakeholders. Coaches and support staff from within the state understand the culture and background better,” he said.“In high-performance roles, relationships are key. Building rapport with players is easier when there is cultural and linguistic familiarity. We also believe we have a lot of capable coaches within the system,” he stated.Somasundar was quick to add, “While we are looking for candidates from Karnataka, we are not limiting it.”The KSCA issued a notification on its website on Sunday, with May 11 set as the deadline for applying.Somasundar said the association was hopeful to complete the interview and hiring process by the end of the month.