Ford turns down Sri Lanka coaching job

Former South African cricket coach Graham Ford has become the latest candidate to turn down the chance of coaching Sri Lanka.

Ford has informed the Sri Lankan cricket board that "the time is not right" for another international assignment, explaining that he does not want to spend time away from his family.

"I feel very privileged to have been considered for the role as the coach for the Sri Lankan cricket team. However this has come at a time in my life when I would like to spend an extended period of time with my family," said Ford in a media release.

"I have spent much of the past few years travelling around the world as an international coach and have missed my kids growing up. I would like to thank the Sri Lankan cricket board for their consideration and wish them all the best for the future".

Kiwi John Bracewell, currently director for cricket at English county Gloucestershire, and Bob Woolmer, a consultant with the International Cricket Council (ICC), have both made themselves unavailable for the position, which becomes vacant at the end of May.

Former Sri Lanka captain Duleep Mendis has been appointed as an interim coach for the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand and tri-series also involving Pakistan after Dav Whatmore requested early leave from his contract.

Australian Steve Rixon is now the frontrunner for the full-time post and the BCCSL hope to finalise an agreement in time for Sri Lanka's tour of the West Indies in June.