“If you want Sehwag for the chief selector’s job, then spending money has to be a key,” says Harbhajan Singh

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) needs to pay a big salary to attract a “former player of stature” to the post of the chief selector.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) needs to pay a big salary to attract a “former player of stature” to the post of the chief selector. 

In a recent conversation, Harbhajan said that most former players are earning money as an expert or a commentator, and in that situation; only a good pay package can turn their minds toward the position of a selector. 

He also referred to the case of a player like Virender Sehwag and said that the focus of the governing body should be on forming a strong panel to oversee the sport.

With top former cricketers being on commentary panels of broadcasters, the chief selector’s role is not lucrative enough,”

Harbhajan said during an Idea Exchange session of The Indian Express.

“A man with stature, one that has played the game quite often, will solve a lot of issues at the selector level. But why wouldn’t they take up the opportunity? I’ll give the example of Virender Sehwag. If you ask Virender Sehwag to become the chief selector, then the salary of that post needs to be analyzed. I don’t know how much the chief selector in India earns, but if Sehwag is in commentary or other businesses around cricket, then it’s likely he is earning more money. If you want Sehwag, a player with stature, for the chief selector’s job, then spending money has to be key. If you don’t spend money, then you will have to choose selectors from players who may have only played a year and might not be that big a name. If a man like Rahul Dravid is made the coach, then the chief selector must have the same stature as well – jiski awaaz mein dum ho, jiske wajood mein dum ho (whose voice and stature carry weight).”

When asked whether he will consider being the chief selector, Harbhajan had a very clear stance.

“Let’s see. If things shape up moving forward, and the coach and selector are equally paid, then why not? The job of the coach is to stay with the team and plan around the team. But team selection is also an equally important job. You have to pick and select the best players and if you don’t select players that are needed by the coach or captain, then the chief selector’s position doesn’t have value.”