Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli has said that he is actively looking for a cricket-related job as his only source of income currently is the pension he gets from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Like many, Kambli has been affected by the post-Covid world as well. Earlier, he used to travel to Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy in Nerul but now he finds it too far to commute on a regular basis. His main source of income current is just Rs 30,000 which is the reason he is looking for a coaching job.
"I used to wake up at 5am, take a cab to DY Patil Stadium. It was very hectic. I would then coach at the BKC ground in the evening," Kambli told Mid-day. "I am a retired cricketer, who is completely dependent on the pension from the BCCI. My only payment (source of income) at the moment is from the Board, for which I am really thankful and grateful. It takes care of my family."
"I was seeking help from the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association). I came into the CIC [Cricket Improvement Committee], but it was an honorary job. I went to the MCA for some help. I have a family to look after. I told the MCA many times that if you require me, I am there whether it is at the Wankhede Stadium or at BKC. Mumbai cricket has given me a lot. I owe my life to this game. After retirement, there is no cricket for you. But if you want to stay steady in life, it is important to have assignments. I am looking for that from the MCA. All I can do is request the MCA president [Dr Vijay Patil] or the secretary [Sanjay Naik] for an assignment."
Kambli was also asked about whether legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar who is also his childhood friend is aware of his dire need for work to which he said, "He (Sachin) knows everything, but I am not expecting anything from him. He gave me the TMGA (Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy) assignment. I was very happy. He has been a very good friend. He has always been there for me."
Earlier, Kambli has coached a team in Mumbai T20 League in 2019. Now, he wants to work with the Mumbai team in any capacity he can.
"I need assignments, where I can work with youngsters. I know Mumbai have retained Amol (Muzumdar) as their head coach, but if anywhere I am needed, I am there. We have played together and we were a great team. That’s what I want them (Mumbai team) to do...to play as a team," the 50-year-old said.
The southpaw has represented India in 17 Tests and 104 ODIs. He has scored 3,565 runs in international cricket including six centuries and 17 half-centuries. In the ODI format, he has an average of 59.46.
