Coach Dav Whatmore’s two-year contract with the Pakistan cricket team will expire on February 28, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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.
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COMMENTS (8)
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When a player like SAEED AJMAL comes out and says that Whatmore has made no impact than what is there more to say? Pakistani coaches have been crucified for less in the past, and Whatmore has negated all the positive work done by Waqar and Mohsin Khan. Either of whom along with someone like Inzi as the OFFICIAL batting coach can prepare Pakistan for 2015 WC! This guy is just another person who has come out of his comfy hole to bash Pakistani cricket only to run back and hide. Typical Pakistani behavior: Criticize! Criticize! Criticize! And when asked for solutions put your hands up!
What is common in PIA and PCB? Arif Ali Abbasi headed both of the organizations. Now he can give "expert" opinion on issues related to both........
Whatmore failed to deliver? When was the last time Pakistan won a series against South Africa anyway? He is a very professional, educated and efficient coach who guided Sri Lanka to cricketing glories. I think we should have maintained him and could have changed the players and selectors who are real problem.
I beg to differ from Mr. Abbasi when he says that Whatmore failed to deliver. The fact is that we do not have batting talent in Pakistan and we are running our cricket affairs like the way our policticians running the country. Therefore, Whatmore or any other Coach can do nothing to improve the performance of our cricket team. We should get rid of Hafeez, Afridi who have reached their potential. Also what was the logic of fielding Sohail Tanvir in all five ODIs against South Africa in the UAE. Fellow is good for nothing and should only be allowed to play T20 matches Misbah is a good batsman but lacks leadership qualities on the field. However, we do not have any body else to lead the team at the moment. In my opinion we should select a young team for the forthcoming limited over tour of South Africa and try to build a team for the 2015 world cup in Australia/New Zealad.
I thought losing was the worst thing than “It will disturb the atmosphere of the dressing room,” said PCB’s former chief executive. Abbassi knows what he is talking about:
When was the last time a Pakistani coach left with his dignity intact?
Coaching pakistan team has to be hardest job in pakistan.
Good riddance!