Cricket: ‘Whatmore, Fountain to join the team next month’

Despite a successful stint as head coach, Mohsin is set to relinquish the position as the PCB wants a qualified individual for the national team as it eyes the 2015 World Cup. PHOTO: AFP

While the PCB is waiting for an ‘appropriate’ time to make a formal announcement, a board official confirmed the appointment of Whatmore as head coach and Fountain as fielding coach, adding that the duo will arrive in Lahore at the start of next month.

The development ends speculation that Mohsin, under whom the team has clinched series-wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh before whitewashing England in a three-Test series, will be given an extension as head coach.

“Whatmore and Fountain are certain to join the team,” confirmed an official close to the coach-hunt committee, which was formed after Waqar Younis resigned from the role citing health reasons. Former team manager Intikhab Alam heads the committee.

“They are expected to sign the contracts on March 1. Both will supervise a brief training camp in Lahore ahead of the Asia Cup.”

Pakistan are scheduled to leave for Dhaka on March 8 with the event kicking off on March 11. Pakistan play Bangladesh in the tournament’s opening fixture.

The official added that the board might wait till the end of the England series to make the official announcement of the duo’s appointment.

Former Australia cricketer Whatmore was widely praised after leading the Sri Lanka team to their only World Cup triumph in 1996. On the other hand, Fountain, a former British Olympic baseball team player, has worked with the PCB twice — in 2001 and 2006 as the fielding coach.

Meanwhile, the official added that efforts were underway to retain Aqib Javed as bowling coach after the Emirates Cricket Board announced the former Pakistan fast-bowler as its prime choice for the post of the UAE team’s head coach.

Mohsin may get back chief selector position

The official added that the PCB, while acknowledging Mohsin’s services, will have a discussion with Mohsin over his future role with the team.

“The PCB officials will sit with him to have a discussion before a decision is made.”

However, he added that Mohsin may want back the position as national team chief selector.

It may be recalled that the former Pakistan opener has, on several occasions, expressed an interest in working in roles of coaching and selection.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2012.