Advertisement

Help
You are here: Rediff Home » India » Cricket » The Cup » Report
Search:  Rediff.com The Web
Advertisement
  Discuss this Article   |      Email this Article   |      Print this Article

Chappell feared for safety after WC ouster
Get Cricket updates:What's this?
Advertisement
April 13, 2007 15:18 IST
Last Updated: April 13, 2007 16:17 IST

Former Team India coach Greg Chappell has admitted fearing for his safety after the side lost to minnows Bangladesh, which eventually led to their ouster from the cricket World Cup.

Chappell, who was in a Brisbane motel Thursday night admitted having security fears after the twin incidents of India's shocking defeat to Bangladesh and the murder of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer in a Kingston hotel, the Herald Sun reported Friday.

In what was probably Chappell's first interview since returning from India, it was also indicated that BCCI's bid to rope in the former Australian captain as a consultant may go in vain and Chappell might join the Australian Cricket Academy as its head coach.

According to reports, Chappell is a clear favourite to succeed Tim Nielsen, who leaves the job to take over the Australian team's reins from John Buchanan after the World Cup.

Chappell, however, kept the cards close to his chest and said he would reveal his future plans within three weeks. "I am not making decisions yet but after a while I will look at the options," he said.

Chappell said over the next few days, he would be visiting friends and family in Canberra and Adelaide before deciding his future.

"I just want some time away from it all," he said in what is probably his first interview to the Australian media after returning from India.

"We are just going to spend some time catching up with family all around the country and then we will work out what happens."

Chappell's nearly two-year association with the Indian team snapped after the side's disastrous World Cup campaign, which saw them make a shocking first round exit. After the World Cup disaster, Chappell decided not to seek an extension of his contract with the Indian team but the BCCI reportedly offered the former Australian captain a consultant's job at the National Cricket Academy.

Chappell, meanwhile, asserted that his troubled tenure with the Indian team has not turned him off coaching. "I don't feel (cheesed off), not at all," said the Australian, who is in Brisbane on a "private family business".

He also criticised the Indian media for exaggerating his medical check-up in Mumbai. "It was just a minor thing that they obviously made into something bigger," Chappell said. "The health is fine, there is no drama other than what the media made of it. I just had some tests done to make sure I was in good health to fly and come back to Australia."

Talking about World Cup, Chappell felt with India and Pakistan already out of competition, Ricky Ponting's men looked a clear favourite. "Australia is my tip," he said.

The Cup: Complete Coverage

Would you like to join the Cricket and Cricket Lovers Discussion Group and discuss your cricket views with other cricket freaks? Click here. Have fun!


 Email this Article      Print this Article

© 2007 Rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Feedback