India’s chosen coach turns the offer down stays at home

LONDON, June 11, 2007 (AFP) - Graham Ford has snubbed an offer to become India's new coach in favour of staying on in his current role as director of cricket at English county Kent. The South African's decision, announced on Monday, will come as a major blow to Indian cricket chiefs who believed they had reached an agreement with Ford that would see him take over the India team on a one-year contract before the end of this month.

The 46-year-old was selected for the role on Saturday following an interview in Chennai and had been due to tell his new employers when he could start work by Monday.

Instead, he revealed that he had had a change of heart.

"I am very grateful to the Club for allowing me to go to India to find out more about the job of coaching the Indian Team," he said in a statement released by Kent.

"I have had a chance to reflect on the offer made by the BCCI and their urgency to fill the vacant position.

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