Waqar, Pakistan’s 15th coach since 1995, was appointed after the
winless tour of Australia last year where he also served as the team’s
bowling consultant. His regime saw Pakistan reach the semi-finals of the
2010 World Twenty20 as well as the 2011 World Cup but also witnessed
the spot-fixing saga.
News comes as surprise
Waqar’s decision astonished the cricketing quarters, especially after
he confirmed that his stepping down was his personal decision and was
not instigated due to the now-public conflict between himself and former
captain Shahid Afridi.
“I had filed my resignation a week ago which has eventually been
accepted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB),” Waqar told a press
conference in Lahore. “But they asked me to continue until the Zimbabwe
tour. After that, I won’t be available. Whatever time I have spent, I
thoroughly enjoyed it and apart from all those controversies and
rollercoaster rides, every thing went according to plan.”
Intikhab’s report
It seems that Intikhab Alam, who was the team manager on the tour of
the West Indies, had questioned Waqar’s involvement in team matters in a
report handed over to the PCB chairman. However, Waqar categorically
denied that those reasons led to his exit, instead confirming that there
was no conflict or disagreement with the board or the management.
“I can confirm that my decision to resign is not a result of any sort
of conflict with the PCB chairman or with the team management. It is
nothing to do with team selection either. Had everything in my personal
life – that is, my wife’s health and my own – been all right, I would
not have taken this decision. But I do not want to fail to do the job
justice because of the personal problems on my mind.”
Decision taken recently
In an emotional press conference, it was obvious that the ‘problems’
he spoke of were causing him great distress, resulting in him keeping
busy by even bowling in the nets during the training camp.
“I only told the players on Saturday and they were shocked because
until today, the matter was between me and the PCB. But I’m sure that
this young team will do well.”
Asked whether he was satisfied with his tenure or not, Waqar paused momentarily, and responded with passion.
“Once you get complacent, it all ends there. There were ups and
downs. There were many controversies but at the same time we had a lot
of success and I am proud of and pleased with that. Despite all that has
happened, the same Pakistan team managed to beat every team in the
world.”
The PCB confirmed that Waqar’s resignation has been accepted as it
starts its hunt to find his successor for which the first challenge will
be a series against Sri Lanka in the UAE starting October.
News By : Express Tribune
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