“The last two years have been terrific in terms of the challenges I had with Pakistan, but I am leaving with fond memories and a heavy heart,” Dav Whatmore. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
KARACHI: Outgoing coach Dav Whatmore has said that he was leaving with a heavy heart and fond memories of Pakistan after his two-year contract with the national team comes to a conclusion in February.
Whatmore has left early after he had the choice of availing a month’s leave, which he had not taken and hence will not see out his contract till the end of February in Pakistan.
“The last two years have been terrific in terms of the challenges I had with Pakistan, but I am leaving with fond memories and a heavy heart,” Whatmore told reporters in Lahore on Friday.
Asked about his own assessment about the security situation in Pakistan, which has been a big issue for international teams, Whatmore stated that he felt safe in the country throughout his stint. He hoped that international cricket would soon return to Pakistan.
Coach satisfied with team’s showing
During his tenure, Pakistan failed to win a Test series, losing to South Africa 3-0 last year and to Sri Lanka 1-0 in 2012. Additionally, Pakistan also went on to draw a Test series against Zimbabwe 1-1.
However, Whatmore said he was satisfied with the team’s showing as it went on to win the Asia Cup in 2012, beat India at their home and won a one-day series against the Proteas in South Africa.
“I don’t like losing,” he said. “The Champions Trophy loss still sticks at my throat and losing to Zimbabwe was a very bad result for us.
“If you look at the stats, people might say I haven’t changed the results substantially. But at the same time, everyone must see the opponents we had to play and the conditions in which we played.”
He further added that he was leaving his charge on a high as Pakistan had recently secured a stunning series-levelling victory against Sri Lanka in Sharjah. The 59-year-old ended his tenure with the team successfully chasing down a daunting 302-run target on the final day.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2014.
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@The Economist: Do you trolls have nothing better to do?
Thanks Dav. Some memorable wins. Beating India in India being a particular highlight.
Great work Dav. Thanks for your efforts and best of luck for the future!
Fond memories and found dollars....
Thank you Whatmore for your services and good luck.
PCB could have used his two year tenure in Pakistan to their help when it comes to foreign team visiting Pakistan, as his stay debunks the myth that Pakistan is not a safe place for visiting team, or foreign players. But Alas! this was not on the cards. Inept and rudder less PCB management...
Thanks Dav! Wish you all the best
yeah fond memories of not having one even a single test series
You should be happy that u r leaving alive.
Good luck with all future ventures mr whatmore. Thanks for your services.