Wasim Bari ready to deliver as new team manager

68-year-old says he will take his new role as a challenge

LAHORE: Newly appointed Pakistan team manager Wasim Bari said he would take his new role as a challenge. “I will try my best to do the job in a befitting manner and try to keep the Pakistan flag high on and off the field,” said Bari while talking to Express News. “Most of the players know me and I hope to be successful in the role.”

The former Pakistan wicketkeeper spent two days in Lahore and met with different officials including Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed, Manager International Cricket Usman Wallah, bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed, Assistant Manager and coach Shahid Aslam. He finalised all important aspects regarding the national team’s home series against the West Indies in the UAE.

Chief selector Inzamamul Haq also congratulated Bari during his visit to the National Cricket Academy.

“It is true that I am not a strict person but I have my own style of getting the job done,” Bari added.

However, he warned that there would be “no compromise” on discipline and said its implementation would be his top priority.

“If you are sincere with your job nothing is impossible,” he said before taking the flight back to Karachi. “You can earn positive results with sincere efforts and I will be doing my best to ensure success of our team.”

Bari disclosed that he will return to Lahore on Friday. All team members will travel to UAE on September 18 except Mohammad Amir, who will be busy with his wedding and will join them later.

Pakistan will play three T20Is and as many ODIs against the West Indies, with the matches starting on September 23. The series will conclude with three Test matches.