Waqar new Pakistan head coach

News

Cricket365
May 20, 2014

Former fast bowler Waqar Younis has been named head coach of Pakistan. Younis has been afforded a two-year contract – and will join the team in June.

Erstwhile wicketkeeper-batsman Moin Khan coached the national side on an interim basis at the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, after Australian Dav Whatmore's tenure was not extended earlier this year.

"A committee constituted by PCB comprising of Intikhab Alam (director, domestic cricket operations), Haroon Rashid (director, game development) and Moin Khan (chief selector) met to review the applications received for the position of head coach," read a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

"The committee unanimously recommended Waqar for the position of head coach, which has been endorsed by chairman PCB Najam Aziz Sethi."

The 42-year-old Younis served as bowling coach in 2006 and 2007 and held the head coach position in 2010 and 2011. Khan, meanwhile, is likely to be retained as team manager – and continue as chief selector.

Younis' opening assignment will bring a one-off Twenty20 International, three ODIs and two Tests against the Australia in the United Arab Emirates between 3 October and 1 November.

The 2015 World Cup campaign in Australasia, where Pakistan have been pooled with India, West Indies, Zimbabwe, UAE, South Africa and Ireland, is also high on the agenda.

"I am extremely pleased to have been selected as the head coach. My immediate aim would be to prepare the team for the upcoming busy cricket season including the next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand," said Younis.