Ramesh Powar gets no extension, BCCI invites applications for coach of women’s cricket team

Ramesh Powar has gotten no extension into his tenure as the coach of the women’s cricket team after the Board of Control for Cricket in India invited applications for the application of the post. Powar, whose tenure ended on November 30, was involved in an ugly face-off with Mithali Raj after India’s star player was benched for the semi-final of the ICC Women’s World T20 against England which India lost by eight wickets. Several officials in the Indian cricket board were not happy with the way how Powar dealt with the dropping of Mithali and that he acted on a ‘phone call’ from an influential board member to drop India’s leading run-getter.

Read More |Ramesh Powar may face consequences for Mithali Raj face-off

On the official website of the BCCI, it said, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would like to call upon interested candidates to apply for the position of ‘Head Coach – Team India (Senior Women)’.

Read More |It is the darkest day of my life, says Mithali Raj on Powar’s charges

The situation involving Powar and Mithali flared up when Powar admitted that his professional relationship with Mithali was strained as he always found her aloof and difficult to handle. Earlier on Tuesday, Mithali slammed Committee of Administrators’ member Diana Edulji and Powar. Mithali said while Powar humiliated her during the ICC Women's World T20, Edulji used her position against her.

Aftrwards, the 35-year old cricketer tweeted, ‘’I'm deeply saddened & hurt by the aspersions cast on me. My commitment to the game & 20yrs of playing for my country, the hard work, sweat, in vain. Today, my patriotism doubted, my skill set questioned & all the mudslinging- it's the darkest day of my life. May god give strength’’.

Read More |Mithali Raj shatters record, scores more runs than any male cricketer

According to several reports, Powar had no answer to defend his decision when he was asked why Mithali's strike rate didn't come in the way of her selection for the games against Ireland and Pakistan.

Mithali’s exclusion took an ugly turn following the team’s loss in the semi-final, with the player’s manager calling Indian women’s cricket team skipper Harmanpreet a "manipulative, lying, immature, undeserving captain" in a series of tweets. Mithali’s manager, Annisha Gupta, spoke to ESPNCricinfo and confirmed that the tweets belonged to her handle and defended her statements. However, Gupta deleted the tweets later after the confirmation.

The scenario regarding the women’s cricket team coaching has been dodgy. Tushar Arothe quit following differences with the senior players over training methods in August while the situation involving Powar has decimated the morale of the team and created differences between Mithali and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.