Raja rules out need for coaches, supports the concept of managers

Dubai, May 20 (UNI) Former Pakistan skipper Rameez Raja feels coaches were not indispensable at the top level and lauded BCCI's present step of appointing a former player as cricket Manager.

''Teams don't need coaches at this level. There should be some game analysts and coaching should be done prior to series at home,'' Raja told the 'Khaleej Times'.

''Teams like Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka need strong managers who know the in and outs of the game. Former players should be assigned these jobs and captain should be given more powers,'' he added.

Incidentally, after India's disastrous World Cup campaign under the coaching of high-profile Greg Chappell, the BCCI took a totally different step and instead appointed former captain Ravi Shastri as the cricket Manager of the team for the on-going Bangladesh tour.

Meanwhile, the former opener-turned-commentator also said Pakistan desperately need Inzamam in the longer version of the game as he has still got some cricket left in him.

''Keeping in view the busy schedule ahead as Pakistan will face South Africa, India and Australia in Test series, Inzamam's experience and presence is must in this young team,'' Raja told the 'Khaleej Times'.

''He can deliver a lot at Test level and his services should be utilised properly,'' he added.

Raja's statement came days after Performance Evaluation Committee (PEC) set up by the PCB to probe into the nation's failure in the World Cup in West Indies, submitted its reports stating that Inzamam's dictatorial attitude was one of the causes of Pakistan's abysmal performance during the mega event.

The 44-year-old right-handed batsman appreciated PCB's decision to hand over the reigns of the team to young Shoaib Malik, but expressed shock over experienced middle-order batsman Younis Khan's refusal to lead the side.

UNI