Former Sri Lanka and Bangladesh coach has accepted to be Director
(Operations) at India's National Cricket Academy, but wants to give more opportunities
to local coaches to train the youngsters.
Whatmore, who has been offered a three-year contract, said he would like to give
space to the coaches during his stint at the academy located in Bangalore.
"The contract is for three years and I'll be in Bangalore
by the end of this month.
"The specifics have to be worked out, but I expect the
NCA to be operational for 8-10 months (a year). Eventually, one would like Indian
coaches to impart all the training but, if needed, one may call specialists
from overseas. However, one doesn't have to cross that bridge right now,"
he said.
The Australian was approached for the job by NCA Chairman Ravi Shastri
and he accepted the offer.
Whatmore guided Sri Lanka to World Cup victory in 1996 and
helped lowly Bangladesh reach the second round of the mega event this year after
a shock win over India.
He was in the race for the Indian team coach's job after Greg Chappell
called it quits. But he was surprisingly left out of the shortlist
in June this year and the job was offered to South African Graham Ford, who
later turned it down.
However, Whatmore has left the bitter experience with the Indian
Cricket Board behind and is looking forward to his new assignment.
"I know Ravi (Shastri) was on the coach-appointing committee,
but I didn't bring up what happened in June. I've known Ravi for a number of
years. We understand each other well and I'm looking forward to a formal association
with him," the Aussie said.
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