India women's team gets third new head coach in 18 months

Former India spinner Ramesh Powar was on Tuesday named head coach of the women's national team till the 2018 ICC World T20.

Powar's term will include a tour to Sri Lanka, a bilateral series in the West Indies in October followed by the ICC Women's World T20 in West Indies in November.

Ramesh Powar played for India between 2004 and 2007Photograph: Pradeep Mandhani/Getty Images

"The BCCI has appointed Mr. Ramesh Powar as Head Coach of the Indian Women's Team. Mr. Powar has now been handed over full time duties till 30th November, 2018," the Board's secretary Amitabh Choudhary said in a statement.

The 40-year-old Mumbaikar was appointed interim coach of the team last month after the resignation of Tushar Arothe.

Under Powar, the members of the women's team underwent a camp at National Cricket Academy (NCA).

"I am happy and honoured about the opportunity given to me by the  BCCI. I will put in my best efforts to take the Indian women's cricket team ahead," Powar said.

As per the Supreme Court directive, only a Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) -- now functional -- can appoint a fulltime coach on a long-term basis.

Powar is the third coach of women's team in the last 18 months. Prior to Arothe, the post was held by Purnima Rau, who was removed just a few months ahead of the women's World Cup in 2017.

Powar played 31 ODIs and two Tests for India from 2004 to 2007, picking 34 wickets with a best score of 54 in the 50-over format.