May 10, 2007	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 22, 1428

ISLAMABAD, May 9: Pakistan Cricket Board is in constant touch with the Sri Lankan-born Aussie Dav Whatmore to hire his services as team coach for Pakistan. This was stated by PCB Chairman Dr. Nasim Ashraf in an informal chat with the reporters here on Wednesday. “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.

“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.”

PCB had advertised the coach’s post through its website last month after the death of Englishman Bob Woolmer during the World Cup had rendered the post vacant.

Whatmore will quit as coach of Bangladesh after the forthcoming series against the touring Indians. He was the man who coached Sri Lanka to their World Cup victory back in 1996.

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.

Commenting on the recent row involvling opener Imran Farhat and the selectors, the PCB chief said both the parties will be appearing before him on Thursday. — APP