Matthew Mott has been told he will have to resign as coach of New South Wales if he accepts an offer to join new Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise based in Kochi. David Gilbert, the Cricket NSW chief executive, said no deadline had been set, but increasing demands on coaches by the IPL franchises meant it was no longer tenable for Mott to remain in charge of the Blues as well as take on another demanding role.
The Sydney Morning Herald said it understands Mott is joined only by Geoff Lawson, the former Australia fast bowler, as a candidate for the lucrative Kochi job for next season's competition. Mott worked for two seasons as John Buchanan's assistant coach at Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL franchise. "It's something that we gave a go, but unfortunately, in terms of best servicing our programme here, we can't have Motty away for the periods of time they would require," Gilbert said. "That's the way it goes. We found when Motty was at the Knight Riders that they wanted more and more of his time and it was compromising his role here. It's not fair on our players."
Gilbert added that he had been clear to Motty on the decision he has to make. "Motty has indicated to me that he wants to go through the interview process with Kochi," he added. "I respect that. But if he is offered the job and decides to accept it, then he would have to resign from the role here. Motty realises that something has to give. This is a full-time job here at Cricket NSW." Mott said he was hoping the situation would be resolved weeks ago, but is still waiting to hear from the IPL club. "I went there five or six weeks ago and haven't heard much since," Mott told the Herald.
"It's just wait and see. But it's getting close to the season and you have to draw the line somewhere." Mott said he would like to remain NSW coach and has a year remaining on his contract. "I certainly don't want to leave anyone in the lurch and that's why I've been upfront with everyone about it," he said. New franchises based out of Kochi and Pune will join the IPL from 2011, taking the total number of teams to 10.
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