Dungarpur flays BCCI for being 'unprofessional'

NEW DELHI: Former Cricket Board President Raj Singh Dungarpur on Tuesday described BCCI as "unprofessional" after it was embarrassed by South African Graham Ford's refusal to take up the Indian coaching job.

"It was BCCI's mistake to prematurely announce Ford's name. It was very unprofessional. This kind of flip-flop was a disgrace for BCCI," Dungarpur said on the sidelines of the BCCI's Working Committee meeting here.

He said BCCI should have considered all factors to avoid the embarrassment faced by Ford's snub to their offer within 48 hours of appearing for an interview for the job.

"In such a short time Ford turned down the offer, it was a black day in the Board's history and a great embarrassment to the nation," he added.

Dungarpur, however, praised the appointment of Chandu Borde as manager for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England.

"Borde is a good choice. He has dealt well with young players and has a lot of experience of playing in England.

When (BCCI President Sharad) Pawar proposed his name it was unanimously accepted by the committee members," he said.

On the hunt for the India coach, Dungarpur said he had informally talked to former coach John Wright for taking up the job but the New Zealander was not available.

"I had sounded John Wright when he had come here for the Champions Trophy but he said he was settling down with his family and two grown up sons now. So he wants to be in New Zealand only."