Waqar named new Pakistan coach

One of the great exponents of reverse swing, Waqar Younis was the scourge of Graeme Hick and many other batsmen

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Waqar Younis has replaced Intikhab Alam as coach of the national team.

Former captain and fast bowler Waqar confirmed last week he was in talks with the PCB for the job following a disappointing tour of Australia, during which the tourists failed to win a single Test, one-day international or Twenty20 match.

Sydney-based Waqar was offered the post a few days ago and is now set to be at the helm until the 2011 World Cup.

“Mr Waqar Younis has been appointed the national coach with immediate effect,” Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt told the Hindustan Times.

“He is in Australia at the moment and is expected to come down very soon. We hope to see some change in Pakistan cricket.

“He will continue until the 2011 World Cup. We are in no hurry to make changes if the team performs well. Hopefully, he will do well.”

Waqar, one of the most feared quick men of his generation, took 373 wickets for Pakistan in 87 Tests and 416 in 262 ODIs between 1989 and 2003, forming a formidable partnership with Wasim Akram.

The 40-year-old, who has had two spells as a specialist bowling coach with his country, will head to Lahore next week to begin his new role ahead of Pakistan’s defence of the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean in April and May.

Intikhab, 68, will remain involved with the PCB in a coaching capacity, concentrating on cricket academies.