Lucknow: After flagging several issues previously, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) vice-president Rakesh Mishra has once again raised concerns over the delay in announcing the coaching staff for the upcoming domestic cricket season.With barely 10 days left for Uttar Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy campaign to begin, the association has yet to finalise the coaching staff for the senior team and other age-group sides. The delay comes despite the recently held annual general meeting in Kanpur, where key decisions were expected to be taken.The uncertainty has left coaches and players unclear about their roles ahead of the season. While coaches are unsure about their teams and responsibilities, players too are waiting for clarity on selection and preparation plans.Speaking to TOI, Mishra said such decisions should have been taken well in advance. “I have been continuously saying that such work should be done on time. We have the whole year, so all processes should be completed within the prescribed time limit. Under no circumstances should these matters be postponed. A full year is available for preparation for the Ranji Trophy, but now only 10 days are left. This in itself raises a question mark on UPCA’s style of functioning,” Mishra said.“When we became Ranji champions, the system was running in a disciplined and regular manner. But the present situation is not good, and it shows the weakness of UPCA’s system, because no concrete decision has been taken so far regarding the domestic season,” he said.He also stressed that Uttar Pradesh has no shortage of cricketing talent, but said the system needs timely planning, better coaching and fair selection.Meanwhile, UPCA secretary Prem Manohar Gupta said the association has formed a committee to finalise the coaching staff and other panels.“At the AGM, UPCA office-bearers decided to constitute a committee comprising UPCA president Nidhipati Singhania and me, in the capacity of secretary. This committee will take a decision in the next two days on the coaching staff for all age groups for the upcoming domestic season, along with around 15 other committees, and the announcement will be made,” Gupta said.
