PCB advertises for new cricket coach for first time

Lahore, Apr 25 (UNI) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mentioned someone with 'exceptional communication and man-management skills to develop and sustain cohesive team structures' as a prerequisite in the first official advertisement for a new coach.

The ad posted on the PCB website -- www.pcb.com.pk also says the appointment will be for an initial period of two years starting from June 2007 and that terms and conditions are 'negotiable'.

The PCB has already appraoched few prospective coaches but wants to widen its options through advertisement.

''We initiated discussions with some coaches but then decided to advertise the post to have a bigger field to choose from,'' PCB director cricket operations Zakir Khan told Daily Times.

The advertisement has called for interested candidates to submit their applications by May 15.

Khan said foreigners were welcome to apply for the post.

''We have set certain standards to apply for the post. Anyone meeting our criteria, including foreigners, are welcome to apply,'' Zakir said.

The advertisement has also been forwarded to the International Cricket Council, full member countries' cricket boards and other international cricket websites.

Besides man-management skills and interpersonal skills, the ad also mentions someone who has played at least first class cricket and who possesses computer knowledge as other necessities. The new coach's responsibilities will include working closely with the selectors and the director of game development Mudassar Nazar.

''We are keeping an open mind. We will complete our selection process by June, Zakir added reports emanating from local media that former India coach John Wright and Leicestershire's Tim Boon are the favourites for the job.

This is the first time the PCB has advertised the post of a national team coach, a job widely regarded as one of the toughest in world cricket after India due to the high expectations of millions of cricket-crazy people.

UNI