Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli recently informed the media that he is desperately hunting for a cricket related job to support his family. The 50-year-old is battling financial issues as his only source of income is the monthly pension he receives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His monthly pension, as apprised by Kambli himself, is INR 30000.
Vinod Kambli, who had a 104-match-long ODI career for India, was last seen coaching a professional side in 2019. He coached a team in the 2019 T20 Mumbai League. Also, Kambli mentored young cricketers at the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy (TMGA) in Nerul, Navi Mumbai.
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“I used to wake up at 5 am, take a cab to DY Patil Stadium. It was very hectic. I would then coach at the BKC ground in the evening”, Kambli on why had to quit his role at the TMGA.
Vinod Kambli seeks help from Mumbai Cricket Association
The former cricketer gratefully spoke about Sachin Tendulkar as well. “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.”
Though Vinod Kambli expressed his thankfulness towards the BCCI, he revealed he is seeking help from the Mumbai Cricket Board (MCA). “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 [current Mumbai team] to do…to play as a team.”
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“I was seeking help from the MCA; 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 said.
Vinod Kambli made his international debut against Pakistan in 1991 and had a 9-year-long career during which he featured in 17 tests along with 104 ODIs. While he scored 1084 runs at an average of 54.20 in the longest format of the game, Kambli struck 2477 runs in the 50-over format at an average of 32.59.
