Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 24: Rajesh Dhar has been appointed manager of the India men’s cricket team for the upcoming Afghanistan tour, covering a one-off Test and three ODIs in June 2026.
The tour begins with a Test at Maharaja Yadavindra International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, from June 6 to 10, followed by ODIs in Dharamshala on June 13, Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20.
A physical educationist and BCCI Level-I certified coach, Dhar brings wide domestic experience to the role. He has served the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association in numerous capacities, including Ranji Trophy team manager, senior women’s team manager, U-23 men’s team manager, U-19 coach and assistant coach of JKCA’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 side.
Dhar also works as a physical education lecturer and is a cricket selector with the Department of Youth Services and Sports. His strong record in player development, tournament management and logistics is expected to reinforce the team’s off-field operations and ensure smooth preparations across this compact home programme.
Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and former Member Administration, JKCA, Brig Anil Gupta lauded Dhar and called his appointment a proud moment for sports lovers in the region.
Dhar expressed his deep gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, led by Mithun Manhas for granting him opportunity to serve the national team.
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