PCB planning to rope in Whatmore to coach Pakistan team

Lahore, May 10 (UNI) BCCI's dilly-dallying attitude in choosing Greg Chappell's replacement may work to PCB's advantage, with the rival Board now eyeing Sri Lanka-born Aussie Dav Whatmore to coach the Pakistan cricket team.

India's loss may translate into Pakistan's gain with PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf reportedly informing the local media that the Board was in constant touch with the Whatmore to hire his services.

''PCB is in contact with Whatmore. Our negotiations are continuing and whenever something is finalised, it will be promptly made public,'' said the PCB supremo.

Whatmore along with Tom Moody are the front-runners to take up coaching assignment of Dravid and Co. BCCI appointed Ravi Shastri as the Team India Manager for the Bangladesh Tour while Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh are the bowling and fielding coach respectively for the current series.

Dr Ashraf, however did not reveal the other names doing the round.

PCB's decision to advertise for the coach's post through its website last month has prompted many foreigners to apply for the post lying vacant since Bob Woolmer's murder.

''PCB has also received applications from coaches in the West Indies, England, Australia and other countries and a decision on the issue will be made soon,''Dr Ashraf said.

Whatmore will quit as coach of Bangladesh after the ongoing series against the touring Indians. He aslo successfully coached Sri Lanka to their World Cup victory back in 1996.

On the recent controversy involvling opener Imran Farhat and the selectors, the PCB chief said both the parties will be appearing before him today.

Meanwhile, Dr Ashraf hailed former skipper Wasim Akram for offering his services as coach to Pakistan free of charge.

''Coming from such a great player, this is a truly commendable offer and other former players should emulate his example.'' To a question, he said a West Indies team may visit Pakistan in September this year before the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.

He further said PCB would use Shoaib Akhter frequently in top-flight cricket once the speedster regains full fitness.

UNI