New Delhi: Greg Chappell on Wednesday resigned from his post as coach of the Indian team.
Chappell said he has informed the BCCI that he doesn't want an extension after the end of his term at the end of this month, also the end of the World Cup. India, however, made an early exit from the tournament.
"Today I informed the President of the BCCI that I would not seek an extension to my contract to coach the Indian cricket team for family and personal reasons," Chappell wrote to the media after putting up his papers.
"Firstly, I would like to extend my thanks to the BCCI for allowing me the honour of coaching the Indian cricket team over the past 22 months. It is, and it remains, one of the most challenging coaching positions in world cricket."
I am grateful to the players with whom I have worked in this time for the challenges that they presented me with and which I tried to meet in a professional, methodical and interesting way in the interests of the team and the individual."
Just two days back, Chappell had accused senior Indian cricketers of acting like a "mafia" and did not give a chance to juniors.
This drew strong protest from the senior players, who came out in the open to criticise the former Australian captain.
Chappell was angry with the seniors who undermined the captain from taking tough decisions.
Chappell had, however, denied having had any communication with the BCCI in connection with the attitude of senior players.
On Tuesday, Sachin Tendulkar slammed the coach for questioning his attitude towards the game and the team.
"I've given my heart and soul to Indian cricket for 17 years. No coach has ever mentioned, even in passing, that my attitude was not correct," Sachin said.
The Times of India also quoted a senior bowler as saying, "It's quite obvious that Chappell has a guilty mind. That's precisely why he is having a go at anyone and everyone."
"Chappell did not speak to us for 3-4 days during this World Cup. He just doesn%u2019t listen to anybody. How can a coach behave like this? It%u2019s a disgrace," he says.
Veteran spinner Anil Kumble too had attacked Chappell, saying his style may have created insecurity among players.
