Aaqib Javed discouraged from applying for Pak job

Aaqib Javed has been discouraged from applying for the role of the Pakistan team coach as he believes Pakistan Cricket Board committee, formed to oversee the appointment of a new coach, would prefer a foreign coach.

Aaqib Javed: "Even now if they want me I am available but I will not apply."

Former pacer Aaqib Javed will not apply for the post of Pakistan head coach since he feels the committee which will assist PCB in finalising the candidate is actually in favour of appointing a foreign coach. “First they called me and asked me if I was available and interested in this job. Now they have formed this committee and have invited applications which is strange,” Aaqib told PTI on Friday.

Aaqib, who has been working with the UAE side for the last two years as head coach, said he was aware that the purpose of forming the committee and inviting applications was to appoint a foreign coach. “If the Board wants (other) people to apply and if they are looking at a foreign candidate why talk to me in the first place,” he asked.

The head coach position of the Pakistan team has fallen vacant with the resignation of Waqar Younis last week in the wake of the dismal performances of the team in the Asia Cup and World T20 in India. Aaqib said he would not apply for the head coach position as he was also aware that Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raza, who are in the committee, were in favour of a foreign coach.

No improvement

“How many times are we going to have foreign coaches who are unable to deliver anything worthwhile with the team. We experimented with Richard Pybus, Bob Woolmer, Geoff Lawson and Dav Whatmore and did our cricket progress or improve?” he questioned.

Aaqib said a foreign coach who was unaware of the Pakistan cricket culture tend to become a tool in the hands of senior players and could not deliver. “I don’t have confidence in this committee which will assist the board in finding a new coach,” he stated.

He also expressed surprise that although Pakistan had produced some big names who had done wonders for the country but for some reason the board avoided reposing faith in them. Aaqib, who was also coach of the Pakistan junior team when it won the ICC Youth World Cup, said he would not apply for the position since he could not allow anyone to insult him.

“I have 15-years of coaching experience and I have also worked with majority of the Pakistan team members. Even now if they want me I am available but I will not apply,” he added.

The PCB has set a deadline of 25th April for interested candidates to apply for the head coach position.