His resignation comes just days before a review committee is due to assess the Indian team's shambolic performance at the ongoing cricket World Cup in the West Indies. India lost to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to bow out in the first round itself.

"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 said in a statement.

Chappell's future was shaky even before his decision as he is supposed to have blasted senior players and their attitudes in his report to the BCCI.  These rumors shook Indian media and star batsman Sachin Tendulkar told Times of India in a statement that he was shattered beyond words.

"We do realise that we played badly and, as a team, we take full responsibility for that", Tendulkar said. "But what hurt us most is if the coach has questioned our attitude."

Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, told reporters of his telephonic conversation with Chappell, "I got a telephone call from him in the afternoon. Due to his family and personal reasons he was not interested in continuing the contract. He thanked BCCI for the opportunity," he added.

Chappell was appointed as India coach in May 2005 and has led India to a memorable 17 wins chasing in the One Day International. His tenure hit a peak with a Test series win in the West Indies. However he will always be remembered for his role in sending Sourav Ganguly packing from the team.

Ganguly returned to the team for the World Cup, but the management was unhappy with his slow scoring rate especially in the Sri Lanka match, which India lost by 69 runs.

He was known for putting faith in younger players like Sreesanth and Dnesh Karthik. Chappell was apparently unhappy with the team selected for the World Cup and was of the opinion that Suresh Raina deserved to be selected.

Chappell’s e-mail also mentioned the Indian people. "The people of India deserve a special mention as they are the ones whose attention, enthusiasm and love and support drive the great game, and business, of cricket in this country, and around the world."

Greg Chappell also thanked his players. "I am grateful to the players with whom I have worked 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," he added, saying he hoped to continue his contact with Indian cricket albeit in other capacities.

"I look forward to continuing my contact with India in the coming years and I wish Indian cricket much joy and success in the future," he concluded.

 

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