PCB to sign Whatmore next week

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has in principle decided to sign on Australian Dav Whatmore as its national team coach...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has in principle decided to sign on Australian Dav Whatmore as its national team coach but will make an official announcement in a week’s time. Sources in the PCB said that after the interviews of the three prospective coaching candidates — Whatmore, Geoff Lawson and Richard Done — were conducted, Whatmore had impressed the board and players the most.

“The decision has been made in principle and details of the contract have also been discussed with Whatmore but final details are being worked out. He is expected to be paid more than what Pakistan was paying former coach, the late Bob Woolmer,” one source said. The source said Whatmore had impressed because of his experience of working with teams in South Asia and managing their players.

Whatmore, who met with the players on Saturday, described them as “positive, vibrant and confident.” Whatmore, 53, said he was impressed with the new spirit and eagerness to learn in the Pakistan camp. “They are more vibrant and positive and want to do well even after the disappointment they suffered in the World Cup,” Whatmore said.

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Pakistan and India were eliminated in the first round of the World Cup and their exits stripped the tournament of most of its charm and glamour specially for cricket fans from the sub-continent. Whatmore said there was a positive spirit in the Pakistan team with the appointment of a new and young captain in Shoaib Malik. “I think the change in captaincy with a younger guy being given charge has brought about this positive change,” he said.

PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf has already said that all three coaches had been impressive with their ideas and background. “We found all of them their strong areas and were very impressive and we are also laying a lot of stress on the feedback we get from our players whom all three potential candidates have met,” Ashraf said recently.

I want to retire honourably: Inzamam

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq wants to retire in a honourable manner after playing Test cricket for some more time. “I am not going to play for long but I do want to play a few more Tests as I think I can still contribute to Pakistan cricket,” Inzamam said at a function where he was feted for his contribution to the game. “I don’t understand why they (selectors) keep on saying things about my form and fitness. Obviously if I am not fit or not in form I myself will not make myself available for selection,” Inzamam said.

Aaquib to train Bangla bowLers

• Meanwhile, Aaqib Javed, ignored by the PCB for the coaching job of its national team, has been picked by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to spot, groom and train young fast bowlers. Aaqib will supervise a specialised coaching camp and would share his experience with a group of select fast bowlers.