The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a step to review its youth development system after the Indian U-19 team’s defeat against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The BCCI may look to bring VVS Laxman, team management, selectors and the COE on the same page to strengthen player development.
Pakistan posted a total of 347 for 8 after a century from Sameer Minhas. In response, India struggled as Pakistan’s fast bowlers applied relentless pressure from the start. Ali Raza took four wickets, while Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan also played key roles as India were bowled out for 156 in just 26.2 overs.
BCCI turns up pressure on VVS Laxman after U19 Asian Cup debacle in India
According to a report in Times of India, the BCCI has raised concerns over the development of young players over the last four years. The Board of Directors is currently exploring ways to improve coordination between team management, selectors and the Center of Excellence.
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The report adds that there is confusion over roles, particularly between CoE coaches and selectors. VVS Laxman, who was recently given a two-year extension as head of cricket at the CoE, exercises tight control over under-19 selections and captaincy decisions.
“There is some confusion over the definition of roles. Laxman is firmly in charge of taking decisions regarding the U-19 teams. He even has a say in the appointment of captains. When Rahul Dravid was in charge of cricket, he was actively involved in the selection of India ‘A’ players as he was the one designing the programs for each player. At the moment, Laxman does not have much say in the India ‘A’ process,” a BCCI source said.
The trigger: a crushing defeat against Pakistan
Apart from the heavy defeat against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup, the Indian A team also failed to reach the final of the Rising Stars Asia Cup. These results have raised concerns about India’s player development system.
The report added that team officials believe many young players are not ready to meet the demands of international cricket. Very few players make a smooth transition from age-group cricket to the senior level, which worries the management.
The Center of Excellence only started fully functioning recently and VVS Laxman is currently handling the administrative work. At the same time, the technical staff is experiencing major changes. Fast bowling coach Troy Cooley is under pressure as few young pacers have shown marked improvement.
Why is VVS Laxman in BCCI’s crosshairs?
The report further states that VVS Laxman does not travel much with development teams unlike Rahul Dravid. Laxman mainly toured overseas with Indian second-row teams when the main team was engaged in a Test series.
“Most of Laxman’s overseas assignments have been with second-tier Indian teams when the main team is on testing missions. It needs to be seen if he can travel more with the development teams,” the source said.
The report also highlighted an unusual decision during the Rising Stars Asia Cup. Jitesh Sharma went to the tournament as captain at the request of the senior selection committee.
He played a major role in choosing team combinations and match strategies, which is not common for developing teams. Usually, the coaching staff makes these decisions in consultation with the selectors.
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