Waqar Younis 'bids farewell' to team in emotional speech

Team player says Waqar will resign from his responsibilities rather than face the axe from the PCB

KARACHI: In an emotional address to the team on Thursday, Waqar Younis said the match against Australia is likely to be his last as head coach.

The news does not come as a surprise since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was already planning to sack the legendary bowler post World T20.

“Waqar addressed the players today in the team meeting and said that it could be his last game as Pakistan’s head coach,” one of the players told The Express Tribune.



Initially it was believed Waqar would carry on till the tour of England in the summer but the board is already weighing its options to bring in new management with former Pakistan fast-bowler Aqib Javed being tipped to become the next head coach.

Before addressing the players on Thursday, Waqar told some PCB officials that he would give his resignation after the World T20 instead of facing the axe.



Pakistan are still alive in the race for semi-finals. They will have to beat Australia and wait for the team from Down Under to beat India in Group 1 in which case Pakistan would move forward into the last-four on the basis of a good run rate.

“Let’s see what happens but we’re determined to beat Australia on Friday and then hope they do the same to India," said the player who requested anonymity.

"We aren’t yet out of the competition and have outside chances. However, the captain and coach have already made up their mind saying it’s almost impossible for us to go through.”



Earlier, Shahid Afridi also said in the post-match presentation ceremony against New Zealand that their last Super10s clash against Australia might be his last game as Pakistan's T20I captain.