Waqar favourite for Pakistan head coach job

Former skipper keen to have a say in selection matters if appointed.


Nabeel Hashmi April 25, 2014
Reports have been circulating that Waqar, who has represented Pakistan in 87 Tests and 262 ODIs, will be the PCB’s preferred choice PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: Former head coach Waqar Younis is reportedly all set to lead the national team once again after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) changed bowling coach Mohammad Akram’s role to that of selector and head coach of National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Reports have been circulating that Waqar, who has represented Pakistan in 87 Tests and 262 ODIs, will be the PCB’s preferred choice and the move to remove Akram from the team management is a strong indication that the former pacer may get the job.

The PCB has already advertised for different coaching and support staff positions. One of the key posts that were advertised was that of head coach and the cut-off date to submit entries is May 5.

The board has set up a committee to scrutinise and evaluate the applications. The committee comprises of Chairman Selection Committee and manager Pakistan team Moin Khan, Director Domestic Cricket Intikhab Alam and Director Game Development Haroon Rashid.

The committee will make its recommendations to the PCB chairman after the cut-off date.

“Waqar looks closer than ever to rejoin Pakistan team as head coach,” an official privy to the matter told The Express Tribune.

“He has all the ingredients that you want in a coach. He has previous experience for the same post with Pakistan.

“Waqar is a living legend of the game and has that strong character needed to take the team forward in order to meet difficult challenges. I would be surprised if he isn’t made the head coach.”

It has been learnt that the former player has made it clear that he wants to assume charge with more responsibilities than just only managing the resources of national team.

The former captain is keen to have a strong say in selection matters as he believes everything will come down to the coach and captain to create a winning combination.

Meanwhile, the discussions between PCB and former cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed have stalled due to some contractual details but the board is trying to work out a way to successfully hire him as spin-bowling consultant.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2014.

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COMMENTS (2)

Kashif | 10 years ago | Reply

@ Ali Pakistani,

Justice Qayyum was famous for bringing bribe of PKR 1.0 milllion daily at home in his job as judge. Who the judge is where the justice is?

Ali Pakistani | 10 years ago | Reply Did Najam Sethi take out time to read Justice Qayyum's report?
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