PCB keen on Aqib’s extension

Announcement follows news of coach jumping ship.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf wants to extend Aqib Javed’s tenure as bowling coach of the national team, the development following news that the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) was keen to hire the former fast-bowler as its head coach.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Aqib wants to move on from his current role due to an improved financial offering. While there has been no official statement from Aqib, the PCB is set to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the tour.

However, Ashraf said Aqib’s tenure will be extended as a specialist bowling coach with the three-man panel likely to be headed by Dav Whatmore — the favourite to replace current head coach Mohsin Khan.

“Aqib’s name was recommended by the coach committee,” said Ashraf. “We’re all set to extend his contract and offer him a long-term role. He hasn’t informed us but if he’s thinking of joining the ECB, then we have to sit down and talk to him.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13^th, 2012.