Challenges for the new coach

Waqar needs to settle his alleged differences with some of the squad members, if he has to ensure a smooth run.

As expected, Waqar Younis has returned as the head coach of the national team for a two-year stint. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been keen on hiring him for the post even before the ICC World Twenty20 but the decision of the coach hunt committee went in the favour of Moin Khan.

After the former Test captain and wicket-keeper was handed the dual role of manager and chief selector after the World T20, Waqar emerged as the most prominent coach considering his past experience and calibre as an international player. But his appointment has not turned out to be a straightforward affair. The PCB has found itself in the middle of an unwanted controversy amid claims by some leading candidates for the post, including former Head Coach Mohsin Khan, that the hiring process was not followed properly. Mr Khan lashed out at the board for ‘hand picking’ Waqar Younis without giving others a chance to present their plans to the coach committee.

As the dust settles, Mr Younis has an enormous challenge ahead of him. The former captain who represented the country in 87 Tests has said that the World Cup 2015 is his target and he wants to make a solid combination for the coveted event. However, while this is important, he and his soon-to-be- announced panel of coaches need to work on making Pakistan a potent force in the Test format too.

Pakistan play Australia in a two-match Test series in the UAE set to take place in October. Preparations for this series need to start immediately and, at the same time, it is equally important for Waqar to settle his alleged differences with some of the squad members, if he has to ensure a smooth run in his stint at the helm. His capabilities as a bowler were legendary, his first stint as head coach (2010-2011) was patchy. Now is the time for the King of reverse swing to steer his team in the right direction.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2014.

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