BCCI

1. Chigitchakgre village in West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya, is officially designated as a ‘Bee Village’ by the state government.
2. The announcement is part of the Apiculture Mission, aiming to support bee farmers with training, financial aid, bee boxes, and necessary tools.
3. Multi-facility buildings will be established, featuring stock rooms, training spaces, and areas for selling and showcasing bee-related products.

Sport, Nov 29: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating offering a two-year extension to Rahul Dravid’s coaching contract, with a focus on having him guide the Indian cricket team during the upcoming tour of South Africa.

Dravid, who led the team to runner-up positions in both the World Test Championship (WTC) and the ODI World Cup, has garnered praise for his coaching prowess over the past two years, and the BCCI sees continuity as a valuable asset.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has engaged in discussions with Dravid, indicating a desire to extend his contract. While the specifics of the new contract are yet to be finalized, the priority is for Dravid to accompany the Test team to South Africa.

Even if the contract is not formally signed before the tour, there is a willingness to work out the details while ensuring Dravid’s involvement in the crucial Test series.

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VVS Laxman may step in to coach the team during the initial phase of the series, allowing him to assess the ‘A’ team firsthand. Laxman, occupied with National Cricket Academy (NCA) responsibilities and upcoming events like the U19 World Cup and the ‘A’ team tour to South Africa, is seen as a valuable resource.

Dravid, however, has yet to confirm his decision, as he is also considering lucrative offers from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises to become Team Director or Team Mentor. These roles come with substantial financial incentives but involve less direct involvement compared to coaching the national team.

While Dravid weighs his options, his coaching team, which includes batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, has contributed significantly to the team’s success. The nature of Dravid’s potential extension remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a one-year extension, considering the upcoming T20 World Cup, to a longer commitment until 2025, covering the ongoing WTC cycle and the Champions Trophy.