Pakistan to appoint new bowling coach

After the appointment of Dave Whatmore and Julien Fountain, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to appoint a new bowling coach for the national team, following the stepping down of Aaqib Javed in Feb, 2012.

Aaqib, who has worked with the PCB for over 11 years in different capacities, resigned from his post after taking over the responsibility of coaching the UAE cricket team at the end of this month.

Intikhab Alam, while talking to media, has confirmed the news and informed about the new appointment which will be made after the conclusion of the Asia Cup.

"The PCB will soon advertise for bowling coach and the committee will try their best to find the best bowling coach as well soon after Asia Cup assignment," said Intikhab.

For the past decade, Aaqib was involved in various coaching stints with Lahore Regional Academy and Pakistan Under-19. Under his tenure, the Under-19 team won the 2004 World Cup. The 39-year-old has further plied his trade with the national side and emerged as a strong candidate for the role of Pakistan Head Coach, following the resignation of Waqar Younis last year.

The board, however, tried to retain the experienced mentor but failed to convince him.

"We spoke to him and tried to convince him that he should carry on working with the board at the national cricket academy and with the Pakistan team. But he made it clear that his decision to join the UAE team was influenced by family pressure," the official said.

Currently, the Men in Green are training under the guidance of former pacer, Sarfraz Nawaz, who was recently recruited by the board as a fast-bowling consultant. The legendary bowler is assigned with the task of helping the current crop of pacers for the upcoming mega event, following their dismal showings against England.

However, with the board wanting a more qualified person on a permanent basis, it remains to been whether Sarfraz will be considered for the bowling coach.

As for now, there are no specific candidates being named for the vacant post, but rumours suggest that the PCB is inclined towards appointing Saleem Jaffer. A former Test cricket, Jaffer has represented Pakistan in 14 Test matches and 39 ODIs, and previously worked as the national team selector in 2007.