Following Chetan Sharma’s removal from the position due to his involvement in a sting operation, Shiv Sunder Das has taken on the role of interim chief selector, operating the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Sharma’s dismissal came after he was found discussing confidential information regarding Team India players and selection processes. In recent years, there has been a lack of interest among prominent figures in applying for the national selector’s job. This is believed to be due to the perceived lack of stature associated with these roles, leading to them not being taken seriously.
The chairman of the senior selection panel receives an annual salary of INR 1 crore, while the other four members are paid INR 90 lakhs per year. The last time renowned former cricketers held the position was during the tenures of Dilip Vengsarkar (2006-2008) and Krishnamachari Srikkanth (2008-2012).
The relatively lower pay, compared to what former cricketers earn through broadcasting, advertisements, and academies, makes the role of chief selector less appealing. This has discouraged notable individuals like Virender Sehwag from considering the position.
“During CoA’s time, Viru (Sehwag) was asked to apply for head coach’s job and then it went to Anil Kumble. It is unlikely he will apply himself and also the pay package isn’t something that will be financially viable for someone of his stature,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI.
“But if we talk about stature, only he makes the cut from North Zone,” he added.
The BCCI official further suggested that increasing the salary of the chief selector to around INR 4-5 crore could attract renowned names in Indian cricket and address issues of conflict of interest.
“It is not that BCCI can’t pay a chairman of selectors at least ₹4-5 crore. It can actually solve a lot of these conflict of interest issues which prevent prominent players from even thinking of coming into selection committee,” he explained.
