Foreign coaches should be inducted in the grass root level: Abbas

Dubai, June 24 (UNI) Noting that foreign coaches were not indispensable for subcontinent teams, former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas said they should be introduced at junior level before handing over the reigns of national side.

Commenting on the Asain team's liking towards foreign coaches, the 59-year-old former batsman said, ''I am not totally against foreign coaches. They can come and coach teams like India and Pakistan. But they should start coaching the Under-15, U-17 and U-19 teams first.

''If half of the members from these teams could make it into the national team, then they could become the coach of India or Pakistan.'' His statement came after India and Pakistan board official's have made their intentions clear on the issue by interviewing only foreign national for the 'pot-boiler' job.

While India is yet to fill in the post vacated by Aussie Greg Chappell, Pakistan, meanwhile is on the verge of appointing late coach Bob Woolmer's predecessor.

However, Abbas was of the view that bringing in foreign coaches at the top level where all cricketers are matured enough to understand their responsibilty, is futile.

''It is pointless to bring a foreign coach when the guys are matured and unable to change their technique and tactics,'' he told 'The Khaleej Times'.

He also pointed out that India and Pakistan's step to appoint foreign coach for the national side, so far has been unsuccessful.

''Pakistan's record with foreign coaches is not good. Same is the case with India.'' UNI