Graham Ford, Sri Lanka’s national cricket coach, has left the team in the lurch midway through his four-year contract and returned to his home country. Fellow South African Nick Pothas, who is currently the fielding coach, will take over his duties in the interim.  Sri Lanka hosts Zimbabwe next week in a short series before India visit in July.

Before Sri Lanka met India for its second match of the ICC Champions Trophy, Mr Ford had fired a stinging letter to the Board saying he has issues with newly-appointed Cricket Manager Asanka Gurusinha.  Sri Lanka Cricket replied, explaining that it had taken a policy decision to appoint a Cricket Manager and that it will not be changed. In terms of hierarchy, Mr Ford was answerable to Mr Gurusinha.

The Board also explained that it hired Mr Ford for a four-year term until the 2019 World Cup and has asked him to honour the contract. On return from the ICC Champion’s Trophy in Britain, Mr Ford had an open discussion with the Board and had then left the country with his belongings.

The Sunday Times exclusively reported last week that Mr Ford had abandoned the team and left the country. He has not given official notice of his resignation but the Board confirmed that the Board confirmed he is not likely to return. He is not answering phone calls or emails. 

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