Dismissing talk that trainer Adrian Le Roux resigned because of uncertainty over extension of his contract, the Board of Control for Cricket in India clarified on Thursday that the contracts of all its foreign recruits had already been renewed but it can be formalised only by the Working Committee, which is meeting later this month.
Board president Jagmohan Dalmiya said coach John Wright, physio Andrew Leipus and Le Roux had all been given extensions but they can sign the contracts only after the ratification of the Working Committee.
Dalmiya said had there been any uncertainty then Wright and Leipus would not be working with the India 'A' team and National Cricket Academy according to the new arrangement reached with them.
"How are they [Wright and Leipus] working with the India 'A' team if there is no arrangement with them?" Dalmiya asked.
Wright is working with India 'A' coach Sandeep Patil at the training camp in Bangalore ahead of the team's tour of England.
Leipus, currently on a holiday, is due to join the NCA on June 27.
Dalmiya said the Board had enjoyed excellent relations with Le Roux and his resignation has nothing to do with his contract.
His point was corroborated by a top Board official, who disclosed that Le Roux, who quit as trainer of Indian team to take up a similar position with his home country South Africa, is, in fact, helping BCCI in finding his successor.
"Yes, Le Roux is helping us. He may have responded to the call of his country, but he still has excellent relations with us. So when we requested him to help out, he gladly agreed and is already into the job," the official said.
Wright and Leipus are also helping in trying to find a new trainer, he added.
"One has to turn to miners to unearth gold and nobody can question the credentials of the these three gentlemen in this regard."
He said it is "ridiculous" to suggest that the BCCI should take Le Roux to court for a breach of contract.
"If somebody wants to serve his country why should we stop him. Is it logical to surmise that had we taken the legal route and forced him to remain with the Indian team we could have got the best out of him? Can one make an unwilling horse gallop?" he asked.
