Ford declines role as India coach
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Kent director of cricket Graham Ford has rejected an offer to become India coach in order to remain with the English county team, reports BBC.
Ford was offered the job Saturday after a meeting with the India board.
"I am honoured that India have shown such interest in my capabilities, but feel this is the right decision for me and my family," said the South African.
Middlesex director of cricket John Emburey was the other candidate interviewed in Chennai Saturday.
India officials are due to meet Tuesday and it is possible that new candidates could now be considered.
Ford (46) spent two years as South Africa coach until 2001 and joined Kent in January 2005.
His contract with the English county team expires in 2008 but he was given permission to travel to India and discuss the coaching role of their national team, one of the most high profile positions in sport.
"It has been a really difficult decision," he said.
"I have had a chance to reflect on the offer made by the BCCI and their urgency to fill the vacant position. After careful consideration, I have decided to continue my work here at Kent."
Kent chairman Graham Johnson said: "I know that all in the business at Kent, the playing staff, the coaching staff and all our administrators will be thrilled by his decision."
Ford was chosen by a seven-member panel, headed by India board president Sharad Pawar and which included former captains Sunil Gavaskar, Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Ravi Shastri.
Ford was offered the job Saturday after a meeting with the India board.
"I am honoured that India have shown such interest in my capabilities, but feel this is the right decision for me and my family," said the South African.
Middlesex director of cricket John Emburey was the other candidate interviewed in Chennai Saturday.
India officials are due to meet Tuesday and it is possible that new candidates could now be considered.
Ford (46) spent two years as South Africa coach until 2001 and joined Kent in January 2005.
His contract with the English county team expires in 2008 but he was given permission to travel to India and discuss the coaching role of their national team, one of the most high profile positions in sport.
"It has been a really difficult decision," he said.
"I have had a chance to reflect on the offer made by the BCCI and their urgency to fill the vacant position. After careful consideration, I have decided to continue my work here at Kent."
Kent chairman Graham Johnson said: "I know that all in the business at Kent, the playing staff, the coaching staff and all our administrators will be thrilled by his decision."
Ford was chosen by a seven-member panel, headed by India board president Sharad Pawar and which included former captains Sunil Gavaskar, Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Ravi Shastri.