Sports

PCB considering Sangakkara for World T20 mentorship

Nothing is final yet as we have to first see how much benefit our team can derive from his presence, says Shaharyar

Sports Desk February 26, 2016

PHOTO: PSL FACEBOOK PAGE

After failing to rope in West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now set eyes on Sri Lankan veteran Kumar Sangakkara to join the team as mentor for the World T20.

"We are now considering the name of Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara to work as mentor of the team but nothing is final yet as we have to first see how much benefit our team can derive from his presence," said Shaharyar, while addressing the media.

PCB negotiating mentoring deal with Sir Vivian Richards

The octogenarian clarified that negotiation failed with Richards as he had prior commitments. Moreover, he added that Sangakkara's presence in the inaugural Pakistan Super League had left may a player inspired.

"He is under consideration for sure and we will decide soon what to do as I am going to Bangladesh for the Pakistan and India match on Saturday," he added.

Shaharyar added that Sangakkara’s own interest would also be taken into account because the PCB is offering him a short-term assignment with the team.

Richards was mentor of the Quetta Gladiators team while Sangakkara played for the franchise.

I wanted Sharjeel or Shehzad as opener: Shaharyar

Shaharyar also talked about the changes in the World T20 squad where Sharjeel Khan, Muhammad Sami and Khalid Latif have replaced Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed and Rumman Raees.

Pakistan drop Shehzad for Asia Cup, World Twenty20

"When they brought the initial squad for the Asia Cup and World T20 to me I told them to consider either Sharjeel Khan or Ahmed Shehzad instead of Khurram Manzoor. But they insisted it was a unanimous decision. Now they themselves have brought in Sharjeel,” said the PCB chairman.

"I have told the chief selector that selection process must be non-controversial as the wrong impression should not go out of the PCB," he added.

Furthermore, Shaharyar confirmed Azhar Mahmood’s appointment as bowling coach for Asia Cup and World T20 while he also backed head coach Waqar Younis.

"Azhar will join the team in Dhaka on Thursday while Mushtaq Ahmed, who was bowling coach till now, has returned to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

"After the tour [to England in July-August] we will decide and discuss whether his [Waqar’s] contract is to be extended.”

This article originally appeared on IBN Live

COMMENTS (1)

account | 8 years ago | Reply Wrong person imo. Kumar is a class and elite batsmen, but as far as working in a mentoring capacity, forget it. Go look to bring in Kevin Pietersen, he has the energy, enthusiasm, experience and intellect when it comes to T20, and seems to be very genuine. Pakistan fits well with that sort of a player, Not Sanga though, a very great player, but doesn't match well with Pakistan, maybe with another team, but not Pak.

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