South African, Graham Ford has officially resigned from the position of Head Coach, Sri Lanka national cricket team after 15 months in his second tenure.
Ford was appointed as the Sri Lankan national coach for the second time last year and had signed on until the end of the 2019 World Cup but reportedly due to disputes with Cricket Manager, Asanka Gurusinha, the 56-year old decided to step down from his position.
Nic Pothas to become Sri Lanka Cricket’s interim head coach?
According to reliable sources, fielding coach Nic Pothas might take over from Graham Ford..
“We have to thank Fordy for his invaluable contribution to Sri Lanka Cricket,” Thilanga Sumathipala stated in the SLC press release. “He joined us at a time where we were quoted by the ICC as being on the ‘verge of suspension’ and at a time where things were volatile and uncertain, Ford had faith in us and has given us his fullest support.”
Under Ford’s time, Sri Lanka whitewashed Australia 3-0 in the home Test series but failed to progress beyond the first round in the World T20 2016 and the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales. Sri Lanka was whitewashed 3-0 in Tests and 5-0 in ODIs when they travelled to South Africa but managed T20I series wins in South Africa and Australia.
I know the whole country was hurt but the players were affected much more than that- Graham Ford
A media conference held at Sri Lanka Cricket saw similar messages and sentiment..
“I look forward to sitting up on that beautiful Fort down in Galle and taking in a bird’s eye view of Sri Lanka’s special brand of cricket – this time without having to chew my nails to the bone! I wish Sri Lanka Cricket and the boys the very best, and I must offer a word of advice to the young men – Always believe in yourself, believe in your team, and play from your heart”, Ford said in the same SLC press release.
ThePapare.com reliably learn that fielding coach Nic Pothas will step in as the interim head coach for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour which starts on 30th June in Galle. The hierarchy of SLC will then appoint a full-time coach from the India series next month.
