Binny appointed Bengal coach

Roger Binny, the former India allrounder, has been appointed Bengal's coach for the upcoming season. Binny will take charge from next month, succeeding Utpal Chatterjee, who was Bengal coach for the 2008-09 season.

"Binny has been appointed as the senior Bengal team coach," said Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Jagmohan Dalmiya. "He was here few days ago and we had long discussions about the nitty gritties. He has agreed to coach our senior side."

Binny, 53, has worked coach of the Under-19 World Cup winning team in 1999 and as development officer with the Asian Cricket Council. "At present, we have given him one-season contract," said Dalmiya. "He was with ACC and is perfect for the role. We will seek his help for our junior team as well."

Under Bharat Arun, Chatterjee's predecessor, Bengal were relegated to the Ranji Trophy Plate League but managed to earn promotion back to the Elite League. Chatterjee's tenure as coach was a stressful one in terms of relations with the CAB.

The contract of Mohinder Amarnath, the former Indian allrounder, who served as a consultant to the CAB, was not renewed due to his television commentary commitments.