It's official, KKR and Buchanan part ways

New Delhi:

Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday made a formal announcement of sacking its controversial Australian coach John Buchanan, claiming it was an amicable parting of ways by both the parties.

KKR co-owner Jay Mehta said in a statement that the Aussie has been released with "immediate effect".

"(John) Buchanan has informed Knight Riders that despite his hard work over the past two seasons, he has not achieved everything that he set out to and has not been able take the franchise into the future as per his vision for this team. We have amicably agreed that Knight Riders will release him from his contract with immediate effect," Mehta said.

The KKR management refrained from using any harsh words and instead, wished Buchanan success in his future endeavours.

"I would like to state that John is a great coach. He had a vision for Knight Riders and did not waver from this vision. Unfortunately, it has not brought the results that are so necessary to this franchise. Knight Riders would like to wish him every success in his future wherever that may take him," Mehta said.

Buchanan, on his part, said his thoughts were no more "aligning" with the team management and he was "very disappointed in not being able to continue with the Knight Riders and complete the work I started some 18 months."

"I think we have the makings of a very good IPL franchise, and the foundations are there for 2010. I would like to thank everyone who supported me at Knight Riders, and I wish the team every success in 2010," Buchanan was quoted as saying in the release. With Buchanan out, names of former Sri Lankan and Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore was doing round for the vacant coach's job even though the NCA chief maintained that he was "employed with BCCI".

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan's names are also said to be in contention.

The KKR management, meanwhile, announced that they would take a fresh approach to the 2010 season.

"While the 2009 IPL season was an exciting and successful event, the Kolkata Knight Riders regretfully did not achieve what was required of them during the tournament, failing to fulfill both their own and their fans expectations," the franchisee said.

"The Knight Riders management and owners have reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the team with all parties involved and are pro-actively looking for a new approach to ensure Knight Riders are well prepared for the 2010 season of IPL and beyond," it added.

The KKR top brass had yesterday refused to confirm the development even as a team insider revealed that the team management had conveyed the decision to Buchanan and was looking for his replacement. Buchanan had a controversial stint with KKR in the second edition when he floated the "multiple captaincy" idea in his effort to oust Sourav Ganguly as the captain of the side.

As it turned out, Ganguly was eventually replaced by New Zealand wicketkeeper batsman Brendon McCullum as the team finished last in the IPL2.

Buchanan boasted of a huge support staff that included his son Michael that also created a flutter.

The team had an abysmal performance during the second IPL season in South Africa, winning just three of their 14 league games.