BCCI surprised by Ford snub: Shah

Following Graham Ford's decision to decline the offer to coach the Indian team, the BCCI will be on the lookout once again © Getty Images Enlarge

Graham Ford's decision to decline the offer to coach the Indian team came as a surprise to the BCCI, according to its secretary Niranjan Shah.

Speaking to The Hindu, Shah hinted that the South African had not made any demands, the rejection of which perhaps might have influenced the decision.

"I can tell you that he did not make any demands. He neither asked for his own support staff, nor did he ask for a two-year term. He appeared happy with what was given to him. The only doubt was about when he would join the team, not whether. We are extremely disappointed. He could have taken stock of the situation, whatever his problems were, in the beginning, before coming here."

Shah said that the hunt for the new coach of the Indian team will resume in a week's time and that the same seven-member committee will be retained to select the new coach. He indicated that the team will have the coach by the time the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa commences in September. "We have more than 80 days to pick a new coach. We should start hunting again in a week's time. There will not be any changes in the committee to select the coach."

He also confirmed that the BCCI had rejected the candidatures of both Dav Whatmore and John Emburey.

Shah stated that the BCCI would approach the task with an 'open mind' and that Indian coaches would be in contention as well. He suggested that the contracts of Venkatesh Prasad, the bowling coach, and Robin Singh, the fielding coach, were extended as the board was pleased with their work.

On manager Chandu Borde, Shah said that he would be able to handle the job in a capable manner. "He may be 72, but Mr Borde is still fit, is mentally alert and has immense knowledge about the game."