Moin appears favourite to succeed Whatmore

Officials say former captain may be appointed as new Pakistan head coach.

KARACHI: With Dav Whatmore set to depart as the Pakistan head coach after the ongoing home series against Sri Lanka, former captain Moin Khan appears to be the favourite to take over from the former Aussie player.

Whatmore, who remained under criticism throughout his two-year stay, said he was not willing to continue after his contract expires in February next year.

After he leaves, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will have little time to look for a new coach as they have to fill the position before the Asia Cup, starting from February 24, and the World Twenty20, starting on March 16 in Bangladesh.

The PCB, currently governed by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) which is headed by Najam Sethi, has not initiated the process to find a new coach due to the prevailing legal matters. However, an official close to the panel said options are being considered behind the scenes.

“Moin is the favourite from the list of contenders,” said the official, adding his vast international experience and the ongoing stint as the team’s manager is a big plus. “He is well aware of the team’s affairs as he has been associated with the squad for the past few series and the players are also comfortable with him.”

It may be mentioned that the former wicket-keeper, before departing for the UAE for the Sri Lanka series, expressed his availability as a coach, saying he was ready to serve the country in any capacity.

However, the official added that if Moin was made the head coach, his appointment would likely be temporary.

“It is highly likely that initially he will only be given the task of the Asia Cup and World T20. The matter will be discussed in the IMC meeting, which will possibly be called after the Islamabad High Court’s orders.”

Waqar also in contention?

Speculations are doing the rounds for former captain Waqar Younus, who served as the Pakistan head coach in 2010 and 2011, is a strong contender to fill the position as a permanent coach.

There have been talks about a possible meeting between Sethi and the legendary fast bowler on the matter as both are currently in the UAE.

There was speculation earlier that Sethi offered Waqar the position of head coach during the last home series against South Africa in the UAE, but the IMC chairman denied all rumours.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.