Head coach Graham Ford has decided to step down from the position, Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed. Ford ends his relationship with Sri Lanka cricket after a fairly successful time that oversaw famous wins. Sri Lanka will be now on the lookout for the coaching role ahead of their upcoming one-day series with Zimbabwe starting in Galle on Friday.
Ford has brought a premature end to his role, through a mutual consent from SLC, after having spent 15 months in charge of the Sri Lankan team. His original contract was supposed to end in two years after earning a contract to lead the side’s affair till the 2019 World Cup in England.
Ford’s tenure ends on a bad note as Sri Lanka were knocked out of the Champions Trophy in England with just one win in the league stages. He was, however, instrumental in bringing many laurels to the team after joining in 2012. Sri Lanka worked with him for two years in 2012-2014 and reached the final of the World T20 tournament they hosted in 2012.
“It’s been a privilege to work with these talented young men over the past 15 months. Their passion for the sport is inspiring, as is indeed this nation’s,” Ford said in a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket.
“Sri Lanka has grown on me, and although we’ve made the decision to part ways where coaching is concerned, she will always have a little piece of my heart.
“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, belief in your team, and play from your heart.”
Sri Lanka Cricket president Thilanga Sumathipala appreciated Ford’s contribution to Sri Lankan cricket. One of the most important things which the Ford as a head coach did was to help the Lankans with the transition phase after the retirement of the power duo of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakarra.
“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 & has given us his fullest support,” Sumathipala said.