Package puts off Ford; Handling irks Emburey

[DesiChap]

Package puts off Ford; Handling irks Emburey Tuesday, June 12, 2007 08:35 IST MUMBAI: Graham Ford’s decision to reject the offer to take over as India’s cricket coach, DNA has learnt, may have been influenced by considerations relating to remuneration and tenure. The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s official stand is that Ford withdrew because of his contractual commitment to Kent County Cricket Club. But according sources apprised of the negotiations between Ford and the BCCI, the South African was not happy with the money offered to him. No board official was willing to comment on new candidates being considered for the job. But it was learnt that the BCCI mandarins rang John Emburey after Ford’s decision became known. Emburey, who was rejected in favour of Ford, is said to have spurned the invitation. As for Ford’s case, the board is believed to have refused to buy him out of Kent. Although the exact amount offered to Ford was not known, it is believed to have been much less than the remuneration paid to Greg Chappell. Coaches are known to draw big money at English counties. In the circumstances, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s offer was apparently not enough of an inducement to force Ford to sacrifice a job that is not as demanding as that of an Indian coach. Besides, the cricket board offered Ford only a year's contract, which means the incumbent could not bank on much job security. Ford is believed to have been as displeased with the term as he was with the compensation offered. The cricket board had also told the South African that a committee would review his performance after every tour. Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that an interim arrangement be made before a permanent solution is put in place. But the board officials were tight-lipped about the proposal. The BCCI working committee will meet in New Delhi on Tuesday to settle the issue of the appointment of a new coach.