Veteran cricket administrator, coach and manager Rajesh Dhar from Jammu and Kashmir has been drafted into the India men’s set-up as team manager for the forthcoming one-off Test and ODI series against Afghanistan, adding an experienced hand to the support staff for the short but significant assignment.
The tour is scheduled to open with a Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, from June 6 to 10, before moving into a three-match ODI series starting June 13, with fixtures to be played in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai.
Dhar, a widely regarded physical educationist and BCCI Level-I certified coach, has long been associated with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) in multiple roles.
His portfolio includes stints as manager of the Ranji Trophy team, senior women’s side manager, U-23 men’s squad manager, U-19 coach and assistant coach of JKCA’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy side, underscoring his deep involvement in the state’s cricket structure.
Alongside his cricket commitments, Dhar continues to work as a physical education lecturer and cricket selector with the Department of Youth Services and Sports, balancing administrative, coaching and academic responsibilities.
Expressing gratitude over the appointment, Dhar thanked the BCCI and said, “It was a matter of immense pride to serve the national team.”
He added that he remains optimistic about the future, voicing confidence that more capable and deserving professionals from Jammu and Kashmir will find pathways to roles at the national level in the years ahead.
