Cricket chiefs announced on Wednesday that Graham Ford is stepping down as Ireland coach in December, citing the “challenges and obstacles” of the role.
The former South Africa and Sri Lankan coach, who oversaw Ireland’s first Test match against Pakistan, recently pitched his side. t20 world cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Cricket Ireland said in a statement that the 61-year-old South African will cease coaching duty immediately but will serve the contract’s notice period, which will take him until mid-December.
Ford, who was appointed in 2017, said the past four years have been “very special,” but he also underscored the difficulties of the role, without elaborating.
“When compared with other ICC (International) Cricket Council), a full member nation (Test playing side), Cricket Ireland has faced many obstacles and challenges.”
“Despite this, on several occasions the team has competed impressively with some of the top teams in world cricket and I am privileged to experience firsthand the character and solidarity of the Irish players.
“However, over time these challenges and obstacles have taken their toll on me.”
Ireland’s Director of High Performance Richard Holdsworth acknowledged the pressures Ford faced, especially during coronavirus Difficulty.
“I know, working closely with Graham, that the difficulties of managing his workload during the COVID pandemic are in particular – traveling constantly around Ireland to train with players, using bio-bubbles… Long stays within, and large periods under travel restrictions for the burden of coaching and a recruitment freeze that prevented us from hiring coaching support, to name but a few challenges.”
get all IPL news and cricket score Here
,