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BCCI Reopens Search for Centre of Excellence Sports Science Head
The BCCI is looking for a senior expert to lead player health and fitness work.
This job has been empty since Nitin Patel left in March 2025.
The board tried to appoint other people, but those candidates did not take the job.
Some withdrew because of family reasons or because they could not move to Bengaluru.
The new leader will supervise doctors, physiotherapists and strength-and-conditioning experts.
They will help prevent injuries and support players during recovery.
They will also guide research and the use of new technology.
Applications must be submitted by 5pm on September 30.
The BCCI has again invited applications for its vacant Head of Sports Science and Medicine post.
The position has been vacant since Nitin Patel left the Centre of Excellence in March 2025.
Previous candidates reportedly withdrew because of family reasons, relocation concerns or other last-minute decisions.
The successful applicant will lead sports science and medical services across elite cricket and Centre of Excellence programmes.
Applications close online at 5pm on September 30, with shortlisted candidates to be interviewed.
- Who
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India is seeking a Head of Sports Science and Medicine.
- What
- It has reopened applications for the senior position at its Centre of Excellence.
- Where
- The role is based at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
- When
- The post has been vacant since March 2025; applications close at 5pm on September 30.
- Why
- The BCCI wants a qualified leader to supervise player welfare, injury prevention, rehabilitation and sports science services.
BCCI's Position
Concerns Surrounding the Vacancy
Effect of the vacancy
BCCI's Position
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the vacancy has not prevented Centre of Excellence activities because around 16 people continue to manage fitness, rehabilitation and prehabilitation work.
Concerns Surrounding the Vacancy
The Centre of Excellence has faced scrutiny over player injury management, while VVS Laxman and Devajit Saikia have acknowledged difficulties in appointing the overall specialist leader.
Approach to recruitment
BCCI's Position
The BCCI says it will not appoint just anyone with the required qualifications and wants a highly suitable person for a role that is rare in India and worldwide.
Concerns Surrounding the Vacancy
The prolonged vacancy and multiple unsuccessful recruitment efforts indicate that finding a candidate willing and able to take the full-time Bengaluru-based role has been difficult.
Key facts
- Position
- Head of Sports Science and Medicine
- Employer
- Board of Control for Cricket in India
- Location
- Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
- Vacancy
- Open since Nitin Patel left in March 2025
- Application deadline
- 5pm on September 30
- Reporting line
- The successful candidate will report to VVS Laxman
- Core responsibilities
- Player welfare, injury prevention, rehabilitation, physical development, research and innovation
Quotes
Devajit Saikia
BCCI Secretary who discussed the vacant position after a review meeting.
“The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership to BCCI’s Sports Science and Medicine services across its elite cricket and CoE programmes. The role will also involve line management of the Head of Physiotherapy (CoE), Team India Head of Physiotherapy, Head S&C (CoE) and Team India S&C, while working closely with National and CoE coaches, Cricket Education and other performance specialists to deliver integrated support programmes for Indian players.”
thehansindia.com
“After Nitin left, we did not get anyone who can fill in that position. We had Andrew Leipus, and everything was agreed upon. In fact, (BCCI secretary) Devajit (Saikia) had two or three meetings with him but suddenly Andrew backed off citing family reasons.”
theprint.in
Sources
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