The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not ruled out using the services of selector and former left-arm pacer Saleem Jaffar as a makeshift bowling ‘adviser’ on the tour of Sri Lanka.
The coach-hunt committee, headed by Intikhab Alam, has been unable to appoint a bowling coach despite attracting applications from around the world. PCB chief Zaka Ashraf had told Express News that the applications received were not suitable for the role and the search will continue. However, a PCB official did confirm that while Ashraf was looking at the suggestion of a selector accompanying the national side on the tour, Jaffer, if sent, could be used if needed.
“It has been suggested to the chairman by the chief selector and Dav Whatmore that a selector should accompany the side,” the official told The Express Tribune. “The selector will help out the coach and captain on selecting the playing-eleven. While we’re not sure whether a selector will tour or not, we’ve proposed using Jaffar’s services on the field if he’s sent.”
The PCB appointed Mohsin Khan as Pakistan’s interim coach last year but for the duration that he was with the team, Mohammad Ilyas had taken up the chief selector’s role.
Jaffar, meanwhile, has ruled out an interest in the dual role.
“Being a selector and coach are two different things and my role is limited to the off-field duties,” said Jaffar. “I haven’t given this idea any thought but I’m against it. Even Mohsin had given up his selection duties when he was appointed interim coach.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2012.
COMMENTS (4)
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@Khan: PCB did not want to look at his record while giving him the responsibility of selecting the best for Team Pakistan.
Unless Saleem Jaffar has some degree or has done some special training in coaching .. this seems illogical to appoint him as a coach for the team. If we glance at his record below,
Tests: 14 Ave 31.63 Wickets:- 36 ODIs: 39 Ave 34.55 Wickets:- 40
with such short stint and poor record its like asking a 12th grade Pre-Med student or a university dropout to train and teach full surgeons and doctors. If they want a bowlling coach they should opt for some one more senior who has played more matches than Umer Gul at least.
Why they cannot bring M. Yousuf as playing coach? Who can practically show the players how to play solid cricket?
I would be inclined to think Pakistan needs a batting coach more than a bowling coach? The footwork of almost all Pakistani batsmen is literally non existent. They stand firmly anchored before the stumps and take foolish swings at anything pitched outside the stumps.
Bowling, is a more of mind play. However, for the cerebrally challenged a simple suggestion of staying within the proverbial "corridor of uncertainty" will deliver results.