Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Ford fiasco

The BCCI jumped the gun when it announced that Graham Ford would be the new coach for the Indian cricket team. The coach selection exercise somehow resembled the exercise undertaken to select the players. It was mangled, unclear, and terribly partial.

However, Ford could have refused to consider the offer at the outset. Why did he choose to come to Chennai and give a presentation that was enough to clinch the job? One day he wants the job, and turns it down the next day. And the Kent cricket chairman issues a statement rejoicing at the decision.

Jeyshree Jayaraman,
Coimbatore

* * *

The BCCI certainly deserves to be blamed for the fiasco, because it failed to ascertain that Ford was willing to take up the job before announcing his name. As for Ford himself, one fails to understand why he took the trouble of appearing for the interview if he had no intention of accepting the offer made to him. His behaviour is most inappropriate. One wishes that at least now the Board will give up its preference for foreign coaches and tap the abundant talent that is available within the country.

K.G. Sukumaran,
Chennai

* * *

Ford's `no' to coach Team India must have come as a bolt from the blue for the BCCI. It is time the officials erased from their minds the impression that everything that is foreign works magic. We have a reservoir of talented senior players.

H.P. Murali,
Bangalore

* * *

It is a shame that we search for a foreign coach to train our team, overlooking the potential of our former cricketers who have abundant experience and expertise. Ford's refusal to take up the job has added insult to injury.

J. Srinivasan,
Dindigul

* * *

One thought it was just a matter of formality for Ford to settle down in the job. His change of heart comes as a surprise. But is there a need for a "big name" to coach our team?

P. Krishna,
Chennai

* * *

Ford, it seems, decided that discretion is the better part of valour and avoided getting into the quagmire that is Indian cricket.

One hopes better sense will prevail on the BCCI and a home-grown coach will get to occupy the hot seat.

M.K. Bajaj,
Chandigarh

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