Published: Apr 20, 2016, 12:40 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 20, 2016, 12:40 PM (IST)
UAE head coach Aaqib Javed has re-emerged as of the front-runners for the position of Pakistan head coach just after claiming himself to be out of the league for the this posts. The news for UAE team is disappointing even if Aaqib misses the chance to turn as head coach of the Pakistan. The news is making rounds of Aaqib certain to leave the post as UAE coach and move back to Pakistan to explore opportunity with Pakistan Super League (PSL). Aaqib had expressed interest for this position after Pakistan’s poor performance in World T20 2016, when Waqar Younis claimed to leave the position as head coach. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) personally approached Aaqib for this position with him accepting the position. But out of sheer frustration Aaqib withdrew his interest when the Board made official announcement on hiring Pakistan Coach. READ: Zaheer Abbas ready to become Pakistan Cricket Board’s chairman
He was further frustrated with Rameez Raja and Wasim Akram helping PCB to find the right candidate to head the team and mainly giving preference to foreign coach. The recent news emerging is that PCB is sin contact with Aaqib and has asked him to continue remaining in the race as a contender. The question whether PCB will approach him directly or through application to look out for. However it is understood that Aaqib is keen to take up the role for a senior position in PSL franchise. At the moment, he has been one of the most successful coach for UAE taking the national side to two World Cups as well as achieving the ODI status. READ: West Indies refuse to play Pakistan, leave PCB disappointed
The deal is not done yet and could be anyone’s call. The vacancy has bought in immense interest from various former cricketers. From the global perspective, the competition is stiff. Those thought to be interested or who have already applied for the role, or whom the PCB is especially keen on, include the Australian Stuart Law, the former England coach Peter Moores, as well as the former South Africa and Australia coach Mickey Arthur; the last two, given their international experience will inevitably be strong contenders.
Dean Jones is also yet another contender in this league. The PCB were keen on reaching out to Paddy Upton, who is involved with three Twenty20 franchises including the PSL’s Lahore Qalanders, but it is believed he is not keen on a full-time appointment with an international side. He could, however, be open to considering a consulting role. The board has desired candidates to send their vision with regards to the team along with coaching and support structures as part of their applications. The deadline for this application is considered to be April 25 after which the call will be taken as to who could be the coach for Pakistan by first week of May.
