PCB issues 15-day deadline for coaching job

No committee member can apply, clarifies Intikhab .

LAHORE: A three-member committee, commissioned to finalise a coach for the Pakistan team, has given a 15-day deadline to applicants for the job after it held its first meeting at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The committee, appointed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after Waqar Younis announced his decision to step down following the tour of Zimbabwe, comprises former team manager Intikhab Alam, former captain Zaheer Abbas and former wicket-keeper Naushad Ali, met for the first time yesterday.

“The PCB chairman briefed us prior to our meeting and has given us a free hand in the search,” said committee head Alam. “We’ll consider both local and foreign applicants and there’s a 15-day deadline.”

The committee, also assisted by former captain Ramiz Raja, will shortlist the candidates and forward its recommendations to the PCB.

“We have a responsibility to suggest the list of suitable candidates and after that it’s the PCB’s prerogative to announce the coach in light of our recommendations,” added Alam. “If the committee wants to approach someone on their own accord, they have the authority to do that.”

While Ramiz was absent from the meeting due to his media commitments, the other three members were part of proceedings on the first day. However, Alam said that details were conveyed to the former captain, who is in Zimbabwe.

“I want to make one thing clear. The committee members are a single unit and if  Ramiz wasn’t able to participate, all the details have been emailed to him.”

‘Committee member cannot apply’

The current NCA director also clarified that no committee member is eligible to apply for the job.

The clarification came after there were reports of Abbas conveying his willingness to be the coach if the PCB offered him the job. However, Abbas brushed aside the reports.

“I never said that nor am I willing to be the coach,” said Abbas.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th,  2011.