BHUBANESWAR 17-Jan-2011 431
Bhubaneswar-based real estate and investment company Artha Tatwa Infra (India) Limited have extended their sponsorship support to Orissa Ranji Trophy team and its newly appointed Australian coach Michael Bevan for the year 2011-12 for a sum of Rs 50 lakhs. This was announced by Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Asirbad Behera at a media conference at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack today.
"The sponsorship of Bhubaneswar-based A T Group will help us greatly in meeting the expenses to be incurred during Mr Bevan`s stint in Orissa as our chief coach," said Behera. He disclosed that former Australia all-rounder Bevan had on principle agreed to render his services for five months (October, 2011 to February, 2012) for a fee of US$ 35,000 (around Rs 16 lakhs) per month, excluding the expenses on account of his hotel accommodation, living cost and flight charges etc.
Besides acting as the chief coach of the Ranji Trophy team, Bevan would also oversee and guide the entire cricketing activities of OCA. "During his ongoing stint in the state, Bevan interacted with our selectors, coaches and support staff. He has been given free hand to chose his team of coaches and support staff for different state teams, including women," the OCA secretary stated.
According to Behera, the Aussie coach has showed an inclination to visit Agartala to watch and assess the performance of Orissa Ranji team during the East Zone Vijay Hazare Trophy Tournament to be held there from February 10 to 18.
The OCA secretary also revealed that according to Bevan`s suggestion, the apex cricket body of the state had decided to reduce the size of its selection committees. ``No selection committee would have more than three members. This step has been taken in order to rule out the possibility of any kind of favouritism in the selection process," Behera clarified.
Giving a statement on OCA`s expenses towards professional fees of coaches and support staff, Behera disclosed that the state body was spending around Rs 1.80 crore per year. ``After hiring the services of Bevan, the expenses would go up to Rs 2 crore." he indicated.
Speaking on the occasion, Bevan said he would work out a coaching methodology for development cricket in Orissa and implement it in a professional and systematic manner. He expected the new coaching system to deliver the desired results in a couple of years. Bevan promised to give fair chance to all players to improve their standard and achieve success at the higher level.
Sponsor A T Group CMD Pradeep Kumar Sethi expressed happiness for getting associated with OCA for the development of cricket in Orissa. He also revealed that his group was planning to launch a sports channel within three months.
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PHOTO: OCA secretary Asirbad Behera (C), sponsor A T Group CMD P K Sethi (L) and chief coach Michael Bevan at a media conference in Cuttack on January 17, 2011.