VVS Laxman set to bag a prominent role in Women's cricket as head coach Ramesh Powar's tenure ends

Former Indian batsman and the current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), VVS Laxman, is likely to get a more significant role in women's cricket after current head coach Ramesh Powar's tenure ended with the World Cup in New Zealand.

India failed to qualify for a semi-final of an ICC event for the first time since 2017, and with Powar's current tenure coming to an end, the BCCI is looking to Laxman to chalk out a long-term plan for women's cricket.

As per the BCCI provisions, there is no clause for a term extension. So if Powar wants to continue in his role, he'll have to apply for the same again.

"Powar's contract was till World Cup. There is no provision for extension. So the entire process starts with applications and interviews. Powar can certainly reapply, and as per the constitution, CAC (Cricket Advisory Committee) will take a call," a senior BCCI source told by PTI.

Powar, who was unceremoniously sacked as head coach in 2018 following a rift with skipper Mithali Raj, was awarded a second term last year at the expense of WV Raman.

His appointment and the sacking of Raman raised eyebrows, given the fact that the latter had guided India to the final of the 2020 T20 WC, apart from the fact that the former had a controversial past with Mithali.

"The CAC takes the call, and if they felt Ramesh would do better than Raman, it was their call. The board can't interfere," the source added further. 

Powar took over as India's coach last summer. However, his record in his second stint is appalling today, at least as the Women in Blue failed to win a single series in England, Australia, and New Zealand before getting knocked out of the WC in the end league stage.

According to reports, two senior players were at loggerheads throughout the New Zealand tour, and Powar did precious little to diffuse the tension.

With the inaugural U19 World Cup set to occur last year, the BCCI is determined to carve out a long-term plan to prepare the following world-beating women cricketers.

It will be interesting to see if Laxman applies for the head coach position.