NEW DELHI (AP) _ South African Graham Ford he has declined an offer to coach the Indian cricket team.

Ford, 46, was offered the Indian coach's position by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after it interviewed the shortlisted candidates Saturday.

Ford said in a statement published Monday on the England county cricket club Kent's website that ``I have decided to continue my work here at Kent,'' he said.

``I have had a chance to reflect on the offer made by the BCCI and their urgency to fill the vacant position,'' Ford said.

``I am honoured that India have shown such interest in my capabilities, but feel that this is the right decision for me and my family.''

Ford's rejection came ahead of the Indian cricket board's meeting Tuesday when its high-powered working committee was to ratify the coach's one-year appointment.

Ford was asked by the Indian board to confirm by Tuesday when he would be able to join the Indian team, which has a busy summer schedule ahead.

The Indian board's treasurer, N. Srinivasan, said Ford's communication explaining that he was passing on the job was received Monday.

``Ford has withdrawn his candidature, saying that he cannot take up the job at such a short notice,'' Srinivasan said, adding the board's working committee would discuss how to proceed on Tuesday.

Ford, a former coach of the South African team, and former England spinner John Emburey were the two shortlisted candidates interviewed by the seven-member selection panel headed by board President Sharad Pawar.

Ford's candidature was supported by the senior members of the Indian squad, captained by Rahul Dravid _ who played for Kent in the English county championship several years ago.

The national coach's position was vacated two months ago by former Australian Test captain Greg Chappell, who left after India's disastrous World Cup performance.

India, a former champion and finalist in 2003, was knocked out from the preliminary round of this year's World Cup in the West Indies.

Ford had two stints as coach of the South African team, a job he took over from Bob Woolmer in 1999 after the World Cup. His current assignment with Kent is until 2008, but the county club had given him permission to apply for the Indian assignment.

``I am very grateful to the club for allowing me to go to India to find out more about the job of coaching the Indian team,'' Ford said.

Graham Johnson, chairman of cricket at the Kent county club, was delighted by Ford's decision not to move to India.

``This is really great news for Kent cricket,'' Johnson said in his statement. ``We are delighted Graham has decided to stay with us. He has made a significant contribution to our playing performance ... as well as the system to produce local cricket talent in Kent.''