Mumbai: Lalchand Rajput, who along with 56 others, could not get the BCCI job to become the head coach of the Indian cricket team, may now head to Kabul.
Interestingly, his name has been recommended to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) by none other than the BCCI President Anurag Thakur. The development was confirmed by ACB chief Nasimullah Danish.
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"The Indian cricket board has been helping us to find a suitable candidate for the head coach post. Lalchand Rajput has coached many Indian players and teams. He is also a successful coach. We would like to invite him for the interview," Danish said.
Perhaps, the ACB was waiting for the BCCI to announce its coach as Rajput was one among the others who had been interviewed.
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Other than Rajput, India's other batsman Mohammad Kaif had also been "indirectly" approached by the ACB, it is learnt. "We have received several applications from all over the world. We have Rajput and also Kaif on our radar for the head coach post. The final decision will be taken soon," the ACB president added.
"I was indirectly approached but am not sure about their interest thereafter," Kaif said.
"I am aware about their (ACB) interest in hiring my services but there is no official word from them yet," Rajput added.
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"There have been several others from Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies who have shown interest, none from Sri Lanka. Even Waqar Younis, who was recently replaced as Pakistan coach has shown interest, though he has not sent his application but spoke to one of our officials," the ACB chief further added.
"Among several other Pakistanis who have responded to our requests are Manzoor Elahi, Mohammad Yousuf and Zaman. Even South Africa's Hershchell Gibbs and a big name from West Indies have applied for the post," he said.
The ACB had also showed interest in hiring India's Sridharan Sriram. However, he is committed to Australia for their forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka in August.
