After pipping former England spinner John Emburey to bag the Team India coach’s job, South African Graham Ford stunned all by declining the post and deciding to stay with Kent.
Director of Cricket at the county, the 46-year-old Ford thanked the Board of control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for showing interest in him, but turned down the offer calling it the right decision for his family.
Both Ford and Emburey made their presentations before a seven-member committee of the BCCI in Chennei on Saturday after which the South African was picked.
Ford knows coaching India is perhaps the most challenging assignment in sports world and admitted declining the offer was not an easy decision for him.
Ford said,
This has been a really difficult decision. I am honored that India have shown such interest in my capabilities, but feel that this is the right decision for me and my family.
He also thanked Kent for allowing him to meet the BCCI panel.
Kent Chairman, Graham Johnson, was naturally happy to have retained Ford.
He said,
This is really great news for Kent cricket. We are delighted Graham has decided to stay with us and would like to say how much we appreciate the way Graham has handled the last few days.
