The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning a comprehensive reorganization of its top administrative and strategic setup this September. As part of this potential restructuring, former Indian batsman VVS Laxman, who currently heads the Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, is slated to be appointed as the Director of Cricket. This proposed role is expected to place Laxman at the absolute core of Indian cricket operations, creating a unified bridge between selection committees, coaching units, and player development pathways.
Administrative Restructuring and Ajit Agarkar's Tenure
The timing of this administrative shift coincides with major deadlines approaching across key positions in Indian cricket. Ajit Agarkar, who serves as the chairman of the senior men's selection committee, is scheduled to complete his tenure in September. Simultaneously, the broader coaching framework of the national squad is undergoing a comprehensive review. In light of these developments, the board is preparing for significant structural changes. While the BCCI has not yet released an official statement detailing the exact scope of this new position, the strategic alignment aims to streamline national cricket administration.
Dual Responsibilities and Interim Coaching Track Record
Even after assuming the Director of Cricket role, Laxman will retain his current position as the Head of the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. In his ongoing capacity, he oversees player progression models and high-performance training systems. Laxman has also maintained a strong working relationship with the senior national team, frequently stepping in as an interim head coach when required. Most recently, after the tour of England, regular head coach Gautam Gambhir and his standard support staff were rested. During that period, Laxman took charge of a young Indian squad in Zimbabwe, guiding them to a decisive 3-0 victory in the T20I series.
Core Scope and Responsibilities of the Director of Cricket
While the precise organizational hierarchy will depend on the final framework finalized by the BCCI, the Director of Cricket will act as an overarching coordinator for all major cricketing decisions. Laxman's primary duty will center on facilitating seamless collaboration among the senior national team, the selection panel, the head coach, and the Center of Excellence. This centralized management model is designed to optimize talent identification, manage player workloads, and execute long-term high-performance development strategies for Indian cricket.
