Mohsin terms Asia Cup tough assignment

Former chief selector unaware of his future role with the team.

KARACHI: Former chief selector and interim coach of the national squad Mohsin Khan has wished the team the best of luck in the upcoming Asia Cup, saying that the players will need it in the tough assignment.

Mohsin, despite a string of impressive results, was replaced as head coach by Australian Dav Whatmore, who recently signed a two-year contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The former opening batsman supervised his team’s success over Bangladesh and Sri Lanka before a historical 3-0 whitewash of England in the Test series. However, subsequent losses in the One-Day International and Twenty20 series tarnished what was an impressive stint with the team.

“I hope the team does well in the Asia Cup,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “The tournament is not going to be easy with India and Sri Lanka being strong contenders. Even Bangladesh will also be a force to reckon with on home soil.”

Mohsin, who served as chief selector for a year-and-a-half before taking over the coaching role after Waqar Younis’ resignation, has not been offered any role with the PCB yet. While PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf hinted at Mohsin being offered another task, the former cricketer said he was unaware of his future.

“I’m always ready to serve the country because I feel it’s my duty, but with dignity.”

Meanwhile, Mohsin termed the Test whitewash against England as the highlight of his coaching stint.

“Even [Andy] Flower lauded the team’s show and said he had never seen such killer instinct and spirit from Pakistan. But what I fail to understand is where did the spirit disappear after the Test-series win.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2012.