Bhubaneswar: Odisha Cricket Association’s member Satbir Singh Riar has been appointed as the manager of the Indian Cricket Team for Test series in South Africa.
Riar, who hails from Malkangiri district, will serve as the manager of the team in the first Test in Centurion and second Test in Cape Town.
“I feel proud and happy for the new task. I want to thank the OCA for the opportunity. I had earlier served as the manager of Odisha U-16, U-19 and Ranji teams. On the basis of my good work, I got the chance to do the same for Team India,” said Riar speaking to Sambad.
“If I can reach here despite hailing from Malkangiri, which is often regarded as one of the backward districts, other players will get inspiration from this. A cricket academy will be opened in Malkangiri within two months. Free coaching will be given there to nurture budding talents,” he said.
“I want cricket players from Odisha to represent the nation at international level and play in the IPL,” he added.
OCA President Pranab Prakash Das and Secretary Sanjay Behera have congratulated Riar over the appointment.