LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has played a key role in bringing his newly appointed chief selector-cum-manager Moin Khan and leading candidate for head coach Waqar Younis closer amid rumours of discord among the two.

It is a fact that during the past both Waqar and Moin have not exactly enjoyed very cordial relations and, knowing it well, Sethi has made a concerted effort to bring the two former captains closer since both will have to work together for the betterment of national cricket in the future.

Sources in PCB also say that Waqar is quite close to Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and this factor may be a bit worrisome for Moin who as chief selector and manager will be the main person responsible for picking up national squads for the upcoming tours as well as having a say in the composition of playing eleven in matches.

A PCB official, wishing to remain anonymous, however negated the impression that Moin will be in a strong position to dictate terms to both Misbah and Waqar due to his current status as Sethi’s blue-eyed boy. “Since Moin is a member of the coach-finding committee, he also will have to be discreet in his stance and will have to back Waqar if the former pacer finally gets the nod as head coach,” said the official.

Meanwhile, a statement attributed to Sethi in the press on Saturday regarding Waqar being offered a two-year contract by PCB — some three days before the expiry of May 5 deadline for submission of applications for coaches — has surprised many. While the PCB officials have denied the media reports saying the deadline still stands and no final decision has been taken in this regard, no formal denial has been issued by the Board on the matter.

The sources said though Grant Flower of Zimbabwe has bright chances of qualifying for post of batting coach, the PCB does not have much knowledge about his abilities as a coach. Grant’s brother Andy Flower, however, has proven credentials as coach of England for several years before getting the axe following the Ashes drubbing early this year.

Sources also said that former Test spinner Mushtaq Ahmad has a bright chance to take over as spin bowling coach at the National Cricket Academy but he will not be attached with the Pakistan team. A fielding coach, a physiotherapist and a trainer are most likely to be appointed from abroad, the sources further said. A final announcement in this regard is likely to be made on Tuesday.