Starting trouble for Ford?

Even Ford, before returning to England, said his first priority would be to go back to Kent and have a detailed discussion with the officials on the India offer. He further said he was expecting Kent to understand his position and give him the go-ahead. And BCCI, while spending the next couple of days finalising Ford8217;s one-year contract as India8217;s next national coach, would keep an eye on the happenings in Kent.

A top board official, however, told The Indian Express that 8220;Ford8217;s release from Kent was a mere formality. We are expecting him to get back to us before we make the formal announcment,8221; he said.

The board, it should be mentioned, hasn8217;t finalised any monetary deal with Ford yet. However, it is believed that Ford will be entitled to similar facilities and compensations that were provided to Australia8217;s Greg Chappell during his tenure.

Chappell was given a free stay of his choice as India coach. The Aussie chose Bangalore for his stay and his wife Judie could travel from Australia to India and back whenever the need arose.

Ford may be extended similar facilities and other perks like a chauffeur-driven car, an air-conditioned bungalow at his preferred city and a 30-day paid leave per year besides his annual contract fee.