Abbasi assails announcement of Whatmore farewell
Former PCB chief fears disturbance in team with premature disclosure.
Coach Dav Whatmore’s two-year contract with the Pakistan cricket team will expire on February 28, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Although Dav Whatmore’s departure upon the expiry of his contract was on the cards, the official announcement by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirming the fate of the head coach has ruffled a few feathers.
Former PCB chief executive Arif Abbasi has questioned the body’s early announcement, as Whatmore still has to serve out as coach for at least a couple of series — South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The PCB via a media release yesterday announced that Whatmore’s two-year contract will expire on February 28, 2014.
“Earlier this month, Whatmore informed the PCB that he would not be seeking a renewal of his contract due to his personal and family reasons,” read the media release.
“Under the circumstances, the PCB and Whatmore have mutually agreed to conclude the contract on February 28, 2014,” stated the release before adding that the board has huge respect for the coach.
“Everyone at the PCB wishes Whatmore the very best at a personal level and in the world of cricket in the future.
“Whatmore in turn has expressed his gratitude to the PCB for giving him an opportunity to serve the Pakistan team and wishes the youngsters success in the future.”
While concluding the communiqué, the PCB confirmed that “Whatmore will continue working with Pakistan team till the expiry of his contract” — dismissing speculations of his transfer to the National Cricket Academy.
‘Will the players respond?’
Abbasi termed the PCB’s announcement over Whatmore as unnecessary.
“It will disturb the atmosphere of the dressing room,” said PCB’s former chief executive.
“The players are unlikely to respond to the coach while his commitment will also be affected. He would simply be going through the motions during the rest of his tenure.”
Abbasi also questioned the ‘double standards’ by the PCB when dealing with local and foreign coaches.
“The treatment to high calibre local coaches (former Test cricketers) is step motherly compared to the board’s dealing with Whatmore.
“We all know that Whatmore has failed to deliver and despite wanting to get rid of him the PCB has no option to but to honour the contract for the remainder of his tenure.
“None of the local coaches have had exit strategies like the one offered to Whatmore.”
It is pertinent to add here that in case Whatmore is sacked, the cricket board would have to pay the Australian the remainder of his contractual fee, a clause that might have acted as a safeguard for his tenure.
“Most of the ex-players would now start lobbying for the post vacated by Whatmore and we have interesting days ahead of us,” concluded Abbasi.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2013.
Although Dav Whatmore’s departure upon the expiry of his contract was on the cards, the official announcement by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirming the fate of the head coach has ruffled a few feathers.
Former PCB chief executive Arif Abbasi has questioned the body’s early announcement, as Whatmore still has to serve out as coach for at least a couple of series — South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The PCB via a media release yesterday announced that Whatmore’s two-year contract will expire on February 28, 2014.
“Earlier this month, Whatmore informed the PCB that he would not be seeking a renewal of his contract due to his personal and family reasons,” read the media release.
“Under the circumstances, the PCB and Whatmore have mutually agreed to conclude the contract on February 28, 2014,” stated the release before adding that the board has huge respect for the coach.
“Everyone at the PCB wishes Whatmore the very best at a personal level and in the world of cricket in the future.
“Whatmore in turn has expressed his gratitude to the PCB for giving him an opportunity to serve the Pakistan team and wishes the youngsters success in the future.”
While concluding the communiqué, the PCB confirmed that “Whatmore will continue working with Pakistan team till the expiry of his contract” — dismissing speculations of his transfer to the National Cricket Academy.
‘Will the players respond?’
Abbasi termed the PCB’s announcement over Whatmore as unnecessary.
“It will disturb the atmosphere of the dressing room,” said PCB’s former chief executive.
“The players are unlikely to respond to the coach while his commitment will also be affected. He would simply be going through the motions during the rest of his tenure.”
Abbasi also questioned the ‘double standards’ by the PCB when dealing with local and foreign coaches.
“The treatment to high calibre local coaches (former Test cricketers) is step motherly compared to the board’s dealing with Whatmore.
“We all know that Whatmore has failed to deliver and despite wanting to get rid of him the PCB has no option to but to honour the contract for the remainder of his tenure.
“None of the local coaches have had exit strategies like the one offered to Whatmore.”
It is pertinent to add here that in case Whatmore is sacked, the cricket board would have to pay the Australian the remainder of his contractual fee, a clause that might have acted as a safeguard for his tenure.
“Most of the ex-players would now start lobbying for the post vacated by Whatmore and we have interesting days ahead of us,” concluded Abbasi.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2013.