Waqar disgruntled over bowling-coach issue

Waqar Younis's spell as Pakistan's bowling coach has ended before it even began. Waqar, who failed to reach an agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over his desire for a long-term assignment, has lashed out at the board saying that they did not have the courtesy of informing him about their decision not to appoint him. He claimed that he came to know of the PCB decision only when the newsmen called him for his reaction.

"I am disappointed that we could not strike a deal," Waqar told the Press Trust of India. "I wanted to serve the country and I will certainly work in future if provided with an opportunity. But what has saddened me more is the attitude of the PCB. I never initiated the move of a bowling coach for the Pakistan team. It was the PCB that started it all and when they decided they didn't want me, they did not have the courtesy to telephone me and inform me of their decision."

Waqar had earlier mentioned that he wanted the role in the long term as it would be a waste of time if it was only for the India series. But that cut no ice with the PCB, which rejected his suggestions, insisting that the appointment was for this series only.

The board was keen on hiring Wagar for the National Cricket Academy. Shaharyar Khan, the PCB chief, told AFP: "We would still like Waqar as a bowling coach for the national academy on a long-term basis."

This isn't the first time that the board has dumped a player halfway. Last year, Javed Miandad was sacked as the coach of the national team before the expiry of his two-year contract. Apart from him, Haroon Rashid was recently ousted from his managerial position, four months prior to his expiry.

The PCB issued a press release explaining the position. It said that there had been concerns about a possible conflict of interests if Waqar was going to be a TV commentator, but that he had confirmed that he would not take up a commentary assignment if he was appointed as a coach. The PCB then claimed that Waqar rejected a contract just for the India series, and that "The chairman replied that PCB's offer was for a short-term contract and if Waqar Younis insisted on a long-term appointment, the issue would need to be discussed again." It was felt that a number of candidates should be evaluated for a long-term post.