BCCI Ropes In Zaheer Khan To Groom Fast Bowlers at Centre of Excellence | Report

The BCCI brought in Zaheer Khan to conduct a specialised pace-bowling camp at the Centre of Excellence amid concerns over India’s fast-bowling depth

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has roped in former India pacer Zaheer Khan to groom fast bowlers at the Centre of Excellence (CoE), according to a report in The Times of India. Zaheer is scheduled to conduct specialised training camps later this week.

The Centre of Excellence has been without a pace bowling coach since Troy Cooley’s four-year tenure ended in December after he turned 60. The BCCI opened applications for the vacant position on February 9. However, the board is yet to officially announce Cooley’s replacement.

A batch of fast bowlers from various state associations has been invited to attend the special camp in Bengaluru.

“A batch of fast bowlers has been invited from state associations for a special pace-bowling camp from February 28 to March 2 at CoE in Bengaluru under the tutelage of Zaheer,” a BCCI source told The Times of India.

The initiative has reportedly received strong backing from the Centre’s leadership. “Head of cricket at CoE, VVS Laxman, has taken a keen interest in this initiative. Zaheer is very keen on taking up coaching roles. He was involved with Lucknow Super Giants and believes he can help the next generation of cricketers,” the source added.

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India’s pace-bowling depth has reduced over the past three years, leaving the team with limited options across formats. The red-ball format, in particular, has remained a major concern for both selectors and team management.

In its call for applications, the BCCI clearly stated that coaches at the Centre of Excellence must work closely with the Indian team’s support staff. They are also expected to design structured programs to develop the country’s fast bowlers.

At present, the support staff under head coach Gautam Gambhir includes only Sitanshu Kotak as the Indian member. It remains to be seen how much responsibility Zaheer is willing to take at the Centre of Excellence or whether he will eventually join the Indian team management in a larger role.