End of the Road for Dave Whatmore

Just a few days ago everything was going good for Dave Whatmore. While on one hand Pakistan Cricket Board was actively pursuing him as a replacement for Bob Woolmer on the other he was pursuing highly coveted and a much more lucrative Indian coach's position. And suddenly in a matter of days, it all came crushing down. The Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI, on Monday surprisingly ruled him out of contention for the India job during the specially-constituted seven-member meeting.

Former South African coach Graham Ford and former English spinner John Embury are believed to be the new choices for the coveted position. Former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga also seems to be in the fray and has the backing of panel-member Sunil Gavaskar, according to a source.

Just about a few days back the dice was loaded in Dav Whatmore's favor, who has had an enviable record as a coach, as the India's new cricket coach. And suddenly there is this U-turn by the richest cricket board, who has the habit of surprising everyone with its acts.

BCCI began talks with Whatmore during the first Test between India and Bangladesh, even before his tenure was over with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. That prompted Whatmore to reject PCB's offer even before the negotiations began. Sources close to the Australian said that he declined the offer on the pretext that Pakistan is an indisciplined side. While it was also obvious that he wanted the India job much more than Pakistan job because of certain reasons not least of which was the pay package. Whatmore, during the 2007 World Cup, had already expressed a desire to coach India. He was more than keen to replace Greg Chappell.

Whatmore's tenure with BCB has come to an end. And then on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board too dismissed speculation that they were still awaiting an association with Dav Whatmore, while BCCI has categorically said that the Australian is out of contention which means that his bid to earn more too comes to an end.

Although there are still speculations that PCB might make a last ditch effort to get him to accept their offer, PCB has showed no signs of wanting him. With all these options closed for Dav, what more is left is a question that he will ask for himself in the coming days and months. At the same time if PCB makes a deal with Whatmore, it will leave Pakistani cricket fans bemused and they will sure question Whatmore's integrity and commitment because he had already rejected this job for a better position in the first place. We are waiting to see what unfolds in the coming few weeks.