The PCB has advertised the job of Pakistan coach, and has set a 15-day deadline for applications for what some term as the most difficult role in cricket. The three-man committee appointed to select the next coach, made up of ex-Pakistan players Zaheer Abbas, Intikhab Alam and Naushad Ali, met for the first time 2 days ago to decide on the criteria for choosing candidates for the role.

By Saj Sadiq (10 September 2011)

 

The PCB has advertised the job of Pakistan coach, and has set a 15-day deadline for applications for what some term as the most difficult role in cricket. The three-man committee appointed to select the next coach, made up of ex-Pakistan players Zaheer Abbas, Intikhab Alam and Naushad Ali, met for the first time 2 days ago to decide on the criteria for choosing candidates for the role.

Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja had been appointed to assist the committee but could not attend the meeting as he was in Zimbabwe, where he is working as a commentator for Pakistan's 3 week long tour.

Interested parties have been given 15 days to apply for the role with applications from home and overseas expected to be received by the PCB.

Whilst the committee seem to be insinuating that they will get a free hand in choosing the successor to Waqar Younis, it's widely expected that current PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt will ultimately decide who is handed the role and his personal approval will have to be given to the latest incumbent.

2 of the committee members have openly declared that they are in favour of a "home grown" coach whilst many deem Rameez as favouring the oveseas option. 

Committee member Zaheer Abbas told PakPassion last week that he would prefer a Pakistani coach being handed the role and that he would recommend someone who has "come through the Pakistani system".

Pakistani coaches Aaqib Javed and Sabih Azhar have been linked to the role, although Aaqib was not selected as deputy coach for the tour of Zimbabwe.

Former coach Mudassar Nazar has previously said that he would never want the role again after previous spells. Also wasim Akram has stated previously that his other committments would not allow him the time to do the role justice.

From the overseas candidates, Dav Whatmore is a firm favourite with many Pakistani fans, whilst Geoff Lawson's previous sacking by Ijaz Butt will most likely mean that he will not apply.

Another name being mentioned is Lancashire and former England coach Peter Moores although it's unlikely that Moores would give up his current role at Lancashire for the role of Pakistan coach.

Whoever the next coach is, he will take over from a test squad that is showing signs of gradual improvement after a series win in New Zealand and a drawn series in South Africa.

But such is the nature of the role and the politics that accompany it, that Waqar's successor will have to be very thick skinned and have fantastic man management skills.