I have not signed the contract yet - Dravid's big statement on BCCI's announcement of extension of tenure
This statement of Dravid came after the meeting with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar in Delhi.
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A big news related to the Indian cricket team has come out. Actually, BCCI had announced on Wednesday to extend the tenure of Rahul Dravid. On Thursday he retracted this announcement. PTI has released a video in which he is heard saying on the news of extension of his tenure – This is not official. I haven't signed any contract yet. I definitely had a discussion with BCCI regarding my tenure. Once I have the documents I will sign and see how things progress.
This statement of Dravid came after the meeting with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar in Delhi. The team for the South Africa tour was to be selected in this meeting. There were also talks to be held regarding the contract. The team has not been announced yet, but this statement of Dravid has definitely raised questions on BCCI. Dravid has left the hotel i.e. the meeting is over.
BCCI had announced on Wednesday
Earlier on Wednesday, BCCI had announced extension of the tenure of all the coaching staff including Rahul Dravid. It was told in it that Dravid would continue as head coach. At the same time, Vikram Rathod will continue as batting coach, Paras Mhambrey as bowling coach and T Dilip as fielding coach. Now Dravid's statement has increased the concern. However, he has definitely said that he has not received the documents yet. He will definitely sign the documents as soon as he gets them.
Dravid's contract ended with the end of the World Cup
Actually, the T20 World Cup is to be held in 2024 and the contract of the entire coaching staff including Dravid had ended with the end of the World Cup. In such a situation, there were speculations that National Cricket Academy Director VVS Laxman would be made the head coach. Amidst these speculations, it was also revealed that BCCI had proposed to Dravid to extend his contract, but Dravid was initially not ready for it. All speculations came to an end with BCCI's announcement on Wednesday. BCCI had issued a release announcing the extension of Dravid's contract. However, there was no mention about how much the tenure has been extended.
What was written in the BCCI release?
The BCCI had issued a release saying that after the expiry of the contract period after the recently concluded World Cup, the BCCI had a meaningful discussion with Rahul Dravid and unanimously agreed to extend the tenure. The Board acknowledges Dravid's important role in building the Indian team and appreciates his exceptional professionalism. The Board also appreciates VVS Laxman for his exemplary roles as NCA chief and stand-in head coach. Like their famous on-field partnerships, Dravid and Laxman have worked together to take Indian cricket forward.
Dravid had also expressed happiness over the tenure being announced in the release
On extension of tenure, Dravid said, "The last two years with Team India have been completely memorable. We have seen ups and downs together and there has been support and camaraderie within the team throughout this journey. I'm really proud of the culture we've established in the dressing room. The skill and talent that our team has is phenomenal. I thank the BCCI and the office-bearers for believing in me, supporting my vision and providing support during this period.”
BCCI President Roger Binny also had a statement
On Dravid's tenure being extended, BCCI President Roger Binny said, "Rahul Dravid's vision, professionalism and determined efforts have been important pillars in the success of Team India. As the head coach of the Indian cricket team, you are always under intense scrutiny. I am happy that he has accepted the offer to remain the head coach. It is a matter of mutual respect. I have no doubt that under his leadership the team will reach the pinnacle of success.”
Jai Shah had praised Dravid
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said, "I had mentioned at the time of his appointment that there is no better person than Rahul Dravid to take over the role of head coach and he has proved himself again with his performance. Team India now A strong unit across all formats. Our top rankings across all three formats directly reflects his vision, guidance and the roadmap he has prepared for the team. The head coach deserves appreciation for setting the right platform for the team's growth The head coach has our full support and we will provide him all the support he needs for continued success at the international level.''
