BCCI's 'consultant' offer dashed, Chappell speaks of Cup fear

Sydney, Apr 13 (UNI) Any hopes the BCCI nourished of Greg Chappell accepting its reported offer to don the hat of a consultant at the National Cricket Academy look grim amidst reports that he is a clear favourite to succeed Tim Nielsen as head coach of Australian Cricket Academy.

Now that he is out of India, Chappell revealed that he feared for his safety following the Team India's shock loss to Bangladesh and Pakistan counterpart Bob Woolmer's death.

The former Indian coach is the front-runner to fill the Australian Cricket Academy head coach role vacated by new Australian coach Tim Nielsen.

Chappell on his part did not give away much, saying he would decide his future plans within three weeks.

''I am not making decisions yet but after a while I will look at the options,'' he told 'Herald Sun'.

Chappell, who spent last night in a motel in Brisbane where he is staying for ''private family business'', spoke to the media for the first time since returning from his troubled tenure in India.

He also insisted the bitter taste of his Indian coaching torment has not turned him off coaching.

''I don't feel (cheesed off), not at all,'' said Chappell, who was allegedly undermined by senior Indian players.

Although the former Australian skipper admitted to not feeling safe after India's loss to Bangladesh and the murder of Woolmer -- but maintained he still loved cricket.

He also hit out at the Indian media for exaggerating a pre-flight health complaint in Mumbai.

''It was just a minor thing that they obviously made into something bigger,'' he said, adding ''The health is fine, there is no drama other than what the media made of it.'' Chappell, 58, decided not to renew his contract with the BCCI after two controversial years as Indian coach.

''I just want some time away from it all. We are just going to spend some time catching up with family all around the country and then we will work out what happens.,'' said Chappell, who was replaced by interim coach Ravi Shastri for India's tour of Bangladesh next month.

Not that the adage 'When you are in Rome be a Roman' has to be strictly adhered to but Chappell believes only one side can lift the World Cup.

''Australia is my tip,'' he said.

UNI