Wasim advocates one coach for Pakistan cricket team

KARACHI: Former Pakistan paceman Wasim Akram on Tuesday urged the nation's cricket authorities to appoint a single head coach rather than three separate ones for bowling, batting and fielding.

Pakistan have been on hunt for a national team coach since Waqar Younis quit the post in September this year citing health problems.

Former opening batsman Mohsin Khan has since led the team on an interim basis and has shown a willingness to continue.

But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formed a three-man committee to find a replacement for Younis, suggesting a foreigner would be better suited to the hot-seat.

New PCB chief Zaka Ashraf has stressed the need for separate batting, fielding and bowling coaches in addition to a head coach, but Wasim cautioned against complicating team affairs.

"I think the idea of separate coaches doesn't suit Pakistan," Wasim told AFP. "Pakistan need one head coach who should guide the team... in the case of too many coaches things will get complicated."

The PCB committee had shortlisted five candidates for the post but progress has been delayed after Ashraf said he wanted separate coaches for each department.

Sources within the PCB told AFP that former Australian batsman Dav Whatmore, who also guided Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996, is favourite to take the post.

Wasim said he hoped a new coach will build on the success overseen by current captain Misbahul Haq who has guided Pakistan through an undefeated run in Tests and one-day series' dating back to October last year.

"This current team under Misbahul Haq is doing very well," he said.

"Misbah is very wise and is handling things very well."

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 1-0 in three-Tests, 4-1 in the five-match one-day series besides winning the only Twenty20 - all matches played in United Arab Emirates.

They are now touring Bangladesh where they are playing a Twenty20, followed by three one-dayers and two Tests.

Wasim, who played 104 Tests and 356 one-days for Pakistan during an illustrious career, is currently working for UNICEF as an ambassador.

"It is an exciting challenge as under the current programme I am working under the UNICEF umbrella to create awareness among the people of Pakistan as to how we can provide hygienic food to our kids," said Wasim.