Kumble resigns as chief of National Cricket Academy

Bangalore, Dec 13 (ANI): Former Indian cricket captain Anil Kumble, resigned as chief of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore on grounds that he did not wish to be a mere a figurehead.

Holder of the highest test and one-day dismissals for India, Kumble said a difference of opinion with the committee members prompted his decision to resign.

"I had put together a three year vision plan which obviously didn't see much alignment with the rest of the committee members, and I felt, that at that stage there is no point in being a part of NCA just as a figure head and I though it is better to move on and request somebody else to take that position," he said.

Kumble, 41, had taken over the responsibility from former Indian captain Ravi Shastri, more than a year ago.

As per media reports, Kumble wanted to change the NCA into a training centre where youngsters brush up their skills before entering the domestic or international circuit.

The academy currently functions as a rehabilitation centre where injured national team players undergo treatment under the guidance of physiotherapists and trainers appointed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Kumble is currently the president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and a mentor with the Royal Challengers Bangalore team.

The only bowler to take 10 wickets in a test innings apart from Jim Laker, Kumble also manages a talent nurturing company which provides coaching facilities to Karnataka players.

The legendary Indian spinner took 619 wickets in 132 Tests and is the third highest Test wicket-taker on the all time list behind Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan and Australian legggie Shane Warne. (ANI)