Former Pakistan captain and pace bowling great Waqar Younis has emerged as the frontrunner to take up the role of head coach, a position left vacant after Dav Whatmore’s term ended earlier this month, according to reports.

Younis applied for the post today after weeks of speculation whether he would join the race following what was a controversial end to his stint as coach in 2011, and joins Mohsin Khan and 10 others who have shown interest in the job.

The 42-year-old former fast bowler took over as coach in March 2010, but faced controversies including the spot-fixing scandal that led to lengthy bans for three cricketers, dissent from players, and differences with former one-day captain Shahid Afridi. But in a recent television interview with a private channel, Younis likened the team to a family which had its share of problems and said if the opportunity to coach Pakistan came once again, there would be no ill feelings towards anyone.

Speaking to the media after submitting his application for the post, Younis said discipline would be his top priority if handed the coaching job.

"There will be no compromise on discipline and fitness as far as I am concerned," Younis said.

Former Pakistan captains Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Intikhab Alam are to be involved in choosing a new coaching team for the national side.

Akram, a former great fast bowler, said he supported the appointment of local coaches. “I am not against foreign coaches but I believe local coaches can handle and manage the Pakistani players better,” he told reporters.