“We have received the information that he will go to West Indies”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Anil Kumble is expected to carry on as India’s head coach, at least until after the national team’s upcoming limited overs tour of the West Indies.

India will head to the Caribbean right after the Champions Trophy to take on the West Indies in a five-match ODI series and a one-off Twenty20 International.

Kumble’s current contract will expire after the ongoing Champions Trophy, where India will play Bangladesh in the semi-finals on Thursday.

But, the 46-year-old seems to have been given a slight extension since the BCCI-appointed Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) need more time to decide on whether he should permanently stay on as head coach or whether to choose a new candidate.

Several high-profile people have applied for the job, including former India opener Virender Sehwag and ex-Australia all-rounder Tom Moody.

“We want India to win the Champions Trophy. The BCCI will follow the directions of the Committee of Administrators (CoA). Yes, we have received the information that he will go to West Indies,” BCCI acting president CK Khanna told ANI.

However, CoA chairman Vinod Rai made it clear that Kumble will first have to confirm whether he wants to coach India during the trip to the West Indies.

“The coach selection has been entrusted to the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which had selected Anil Kumble last year for a one-year contract and the process has to be followed,” Rai said. “But there is clarity to this extent that since it (the selection process) has got delayed, Anil Kumble, subject to his acceptance, will be there for the West Indies Tour. Up till then he will be there.”

India’s tour of the West Indies will begin on June 23 in Trinidad.