July 24, 2003	Thursday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 23, 1424

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LAHORE, July 23: Chief selector Aamir Sohail has been given an additional job when he was appointed as chief coach of the National Cricket Academy for two weeks.

The Academy, first of its kind in Pakistan, starts from Friday.

Talking to Dawn, Aamir said that the new assignment was not a long-term offer.

“PCB has asked me to coach the two teams — Pakistan Academy and Pakistan Under-19, which are scheduled to tour South Africa and Sri Lanka, respectively, next month,” Aamir said.

Aamir was ready to accept a long term offer dispelling the impression that the new position would affect his performance as chief selector.

“The same boys will be in the academy from which I have to pick up the teams, so, it is not causing extra burden on me,” the former Test opener said.

The selection committee has a hectic season ahead  as Bangladesh, New Zealand and South Africans are touring this year. Besides it, juniors and ‘A’ teams have also the activities.

He said that Aaqib Javed as the coach of the Under-19 team and Naveed Anjum as coach of the Academy side would also assist him in the academy.

Aamir said that he would try to make full use of the time that had been provided to him.

“I will try to assist the players, Aaqib and Naveed as much as I can. I think it will be a useful experience working with the boys who, I hope will go on to represent the country in the near future,” he said.