Graham Ford steps down as Ireland head coach

Ford oversaw the country in 102 international matches across all formats, including Ireland’s Test debut against Pakistan in Malahide

Graham Ford has stepped down as Ireland’s head coach after four years at the helm.

The South African, who arrived in the job late in 2017 after John Bracewell’s departure, oversaw the country in 102 international matches across all formats, including Ireland’s Test debut against Pakistan in Malahide.

Ford agreed a three-year contract extension in 2019 but leaves a year ahead of time, having overseen a generational transition in the national side. Several stalwarts including Gary Wilson and Boyd Rankin have retired from international cricket, while Andy Balbirnie replaced William Porterfield as captain.

His last game in charge was Ireland’s defeat by Namibia at the T20 World Cup.

“The last four years have been very special for me,” said Ford. “I have enjoyed many happy days with a cricket squad made up of very special people. I have also enjoyed watching club cricket and experiencing the passion and club loyalty of many fine cricketing people.

“When compared with the other ICC full member nations, Cricket Ireland has faced many handicaps and challenges. Despite this, on several occasions the team has competed impressively with some of the top teams in world cricket and it has been a privilege for me to experience first-hand the character and togetherness of the Irish players.

“However, over a period of time these challenges and handicaps have taken their toll on me. After much consideration and discussion with my family, I realise that this is the right time for me to step away from Cricket Ireland.”

^{Graham Ford coached Ireland in 102 matches across all formats}

In his absence, Ireland are due to tour the USA next month, with a white-ball series against West Indies following thereafter. Interim coaching plans are yet to be finalised.

Paying tribute, Balbirnie added: “Graham has been one of the best coaches I have ever worked with, and I feel very fortunate that I got to spend four years working with him, not just for the playing development side of my game, but for his incredible support during my captaincy to date.

“We have had our challenges over the last number of years as a squad, but his consistent positivity has been infectious and his determination to improve the skills of everyone in the squad has brought some of our young cricketers on leaps and bounds.”

“He has barely taken a day off voluntarily in his four years here, such is his commitment, and probably hasn’t had a sustained break from the game for well over two decades,” said Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland’s performance director.

“The pace, relentlessness and increasing pressures of international cricket – compounded by the impact of the pandemic – are such that we fully understand and appreciate Graham’s position.

“Personally, I shall miss him greatly, and while disappointed that we will lose him, I can’t but respect that Graham is putting his mental health, physical health and family first at this time.”

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.