By IANS
New Delhi : The Indian cricket board suffered a setback Monday as South African Graham Ford declined the offer to coach Team India and decided to stay with his present employer, Kent County Cricket Club.
"I am very grateful to the (Kent) club for allowing me to go to India to find out more about the job of coaching the Indian team. I have had a chance to reflect on the offer made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and their urgency to fill the vacant position," said Ford on the club's website.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to continue my work here at Kent. This has been a really difficult decision. I am honoured that India have shown such interest in my capabilities, but feel that this is the right decision for me and my family."
Ford, who had earlier coached South Africa, had been selected by a BCCI panel that also interviewed former England spinner John Emburey for the post in Chennai Saturday. Ford was initially offered an appointment for a period of one year.
BCCI officials were not available for comment on Ford's move, which brought good news for Kent fans.
"This is really great news for Kent cricket. We are delighted Graham has decided to stay with us. I would like to say how much we appreciate the way Graham has handled the last few days," said Graham Johnson, Kent's chairman of cricket.
"He has made a significant contribution to our playing performance during his time with us, as well as the system to produce local cricket talent in Kent. Part of that input has been the development of a support mechanism that has meant that the playing side was able to operate effectively whilst Graham was away and great credit goes to them," he said.
Johnson also added that Ford's decision would thrill everybody associated with the club.
"It also says much about the future vision we have for Kent, the way we conduct our business and how we all play a part in the delivery of that vision, not least through what we do on the field," he said.