LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan cricket chiefs yesterday appointed fast bowling legend Waqar Younis (pictured) for a second spell as national head coach.
The 42-year-old had been tipped as favourite to take over the role vacated by Australian coach Dav Whatmore, whose contract expired in March.
Former wicketkeeper Moin Khan, who filled in as interim coach, guided Pakistan to the Asia Cup final but a poor performance in the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh meant his contract was not extended.
Waqar, currently in India, said: “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.”
Waqar returns to the job he held from February 2010 to September 2011, during which time he led Pakistan to the 2011 World Cup semi-final.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said a three-member committee including Khan had “unanimously recommended” Waqar for the job, a decision endorsed by the board chairman Najam Sethi.
The PCB has also advertised for fielding and batting coaches and a spin bowling consultant as they seek to build towards the World Cup.
Waqar, who played 87 Tests and 262 one-day internationals, was one of the world’s leading fast bowlers in the 1990s. He left the post of coach in 2011 over health issues, but later complained that being paid less was one of his reasons for quitting the job.
Meanwhilie, fast bowling mentor Dennis Lillee has parted ways with Cricket Australia after being refused a pay rise, officials said yesterday.
The former great was drafted in to provide guidance and coaching advice to the national side on a part-time basis last year and was instrumental in rejuvenating the career of Mitchell Johnson.
He was credited with fixing the quick’s technical problems and boosting the confidence of a player who spearheaded Australia’s 5-0 Ashes Test whitewash of England and then the 2-1 victory over South Africa.
Lillee also worked with Pat Cummins and all-rounder James Faulkner.
Cricket Australia said on its website Tuesday that the two had failed to agree terms “after protracted negotiations”.
“Unfortunately Dennis Lillee didn’t accept Cricket Australia’s offer to renew his contract,” a spokesman said. Agencies
