World T20: Pakistan in talks with Viv Richards for coaching role
57
The sight of Sir Vivian Richard celebrating Quetta Gladiators' success has perhaps been the highlight of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for many cricket followers.
But Pakistan fans may be in for a bigger treat after a cricket board official revealed that efforts to get the 'King' on the national team in a coaching role were underway ahead of the World Twenty20 in March.
“We are in talks with Sir Viv Richards to take on the role of batting consultant for the World Twenty20,” a PCB official told Dawn on the condition of anonymity.
According to the official, Richards' commitments as a television expert will not allow him to take on a bigger role.
Richards, who is the team mentor of the Gladiators side, had earlier expressed his desire to work with the Pakistan team and said he wouldn't turn down an offer from the team.
“Waqar Younis at present is doing a great job with the Pakistan team, but if given an opportunity to take up a coaching assignment with Pakistan cricket, I would definitely give it a shot as I believe I have a lot to offer to the game,” Richards was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
During his glittering career, Richards played 121 Tests amassing 8,540 runs with a staggering average of 50.23 scoring 24 centuries and 45 half-centuries.
He was well ahead of the time and played at a brisk strike-rate even in that era as he accumulated 6,721 runs in 187 One-day Internationals at an average of 47 with a fantastic strike-rate of 90.20. The right-handed batsman scored 11 centuries and 45 fifties in ODIs and is still regarded as one of the most fearsome batsmen of all-time.
Read more
Interview: Sir Viv Richards laments Pakistan not playing at home
Quetta Gladiators sign Sir Viv Richards as mentor
Sir Viv Richards: I never changed the outlook of my batting
Imran Khan: The man who changed Pakistan cricket forever
`I want to be remembered as the craziest cricketer`
Imran Khan featured in Benaud’s ‘Greatest Test XI’
On DawnNews
Comments (57) Closed
Feb 18, 2016 08:33pm
yes, please do it. All Quetta players are very happy from him. We can see good understanding btw him and Pakistan upcoming captain Sarfraz Ahmed. This is a main reason for their recent success. Tournament weakest or cheapest team become number one team.
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 08:36pm
Viv is a great player but his batting tactics are irrelevant in today's T-20 games.
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 08:42pm
He should be appointed as batting coach for ODIs instead of T20s. He is a great motivator and will bring new energy to our team.
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 08:43pm
Super News. Make him coach of all formats. Waqar performance is poor in ODI'S and T 20's any ways.
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 08:53pm
He should be given a chance. He will at least tell Pakistano cricketers how to middle the a ball , or how to play slogs...............
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 08:53pm
Does this mean that Pakistan has already made up its mind to play in India for the upcoming world T20 scheduled in India for next month
We heard huge noise from PCB chiefs to shift the matches to a neutral venue
All gone in vain
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 08:54pm
I VOTE FOR VIV RICHARDS
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 08:54pm
Quetta and Peshawar management played smarter ... brought the cheaper team at auction and invested highly on the coaching staff and players.
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 08:59pm
Rid off from Waqar and Mustaq and assign Viv Richard for Coach and Sarfraz Ahmed for captain will defenitely chnage Pakistan cricket. And inshallah we will win all major tournaments in next 10 years.
Just give them authority as we gave Imran Khan for every thing. Selection, authority and for ever captainship. Pakistan lost world cup under Imran Khan captain shipin 1987 but after 5 years Pakistan won under his captainship.no one remove him btw those years. People should remember , support was a secrete of Imran cricket success.
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 09:00pm
@vijay he is not primarily there to teach them batting techniques as he can do little meanwhile the tournament is going on. He is primarily hired for his 'never-say-never' energy that he has infused in the QG. So much so, that a batsman from Afghanistan can believe himself to score 15 runs off 5 balls. That's something, isn't it.
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 09:01pm
@vijay I don't agree on that mate, don't judge a book by its cover.
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 09:09pm
Why just a coach role for the upcoming T-20, he should be the head batting coach for all the formats of the game, one dayer's and ideally the 'Test macthes'. Every Pakistani including me loves him and rank him highest.
Also he is great motivator, inspiration for the team and the current rapport with the Gladiator team shows he is team man and loves local players. Let's do it PCB.
Recommend
0
Feb 18, 2016 09:23pm
@vijay I can understand if India is not happy on developments and BCCI might force a block to any such interventions.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 12:47am
He is the best batsman the game has seen after Don Bradman, followed by Kevin Peterson. Quetta was smarter to have the services of these great batsmen, no wonder they are doing wonders for Quetta. Viv will bring a huge change in the mindset and technique of pak batsmen if he is appointed the coach.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 01:06am
Does the name Bob Wolmer ring any bells?
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 01:14am
Waqar has to go like yesterday. Viv is the man who should be the coach for Pakistan team.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 01:24am
@vijay - "Viv is a great player but his batting tactics are irrelevant in today's T-20 games."
You must be kidding right? Those who have watched him play know how dominant he was. He played bowlers like Thompson without helmet and hit them outside of the ground and mind you that those were not the small boundaries that we see today.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 01:33am
I would pick Viv to replace Waqar any day. If Pakistan wants to avoid another embarrassing performance in upcoming tournaments Waqar should be out immediately.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 01:43am
The only batsman these who even comes close to Sir Viv is ABD. The rest are far behind.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 01:56am
While cricket has created hardly any other player of Viv's calibre, no doubt that, what are his credentials as a coach, particularly so, when a large number of your players would face communications problems with him. The best of players may not always be the best of coaches.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 02:05am
Good decision by PCB.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 02:32am
@vijay . He is the greatest after the DON for everyobe outside India. His batting is relevant for all times and all formats.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 02:34am
King will coach ... very much possible and not possible equally. with likes of Umar Akmal and Shehzad around with negative approach and mindset cannot perform for us even if King is around... Vivian's presence with our batting will indeed be best ever experience and our guys should feel lucky to have him around, for whatever time he may spend with them must be utilized maximum.... he will try to remove our batting problems but he cannot perform instead. so its mindset we need to change and get them mandatory education minimum matriculation to start with...
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 02:49am
Spectacular. Hope Waqar goes without any drama. His time's been up for a while.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 03:28am
@Rajeev Velagapudi : It only means IF Pakistan Government says yes and IF Pakistan plays either in India or at a neutral ground. Simple.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 03:35am
if Viv had played it todays era with modern day bats his average would have been atleast 10 runs over his actual average both in Tests and ODIs. That would mean an average of 60 in tests and 57 in ODIs. Staggering!
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 03:50am
Waqar
Please do not bother to leave Australia. We do not need you and Mustaq. Both are burdens for Pakistan. You both were bowlers but not able to produce one single bowler or improves any bowler.
Coach Richard
Captain Sarfraz Ahmed all formats (after Misbah & afridi departure)
Vice Captain test Azhar Ali
Vice Captain One day Wahab Riaz
T20 V Captain Wahab Riaz
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 04:00am
Great idea for Great motivator Sir VIV RICHARDS, very friendly, technically sound & best replaced for Waqar Yunus (PCB should give WY one way ticket, he is nothing and team going day by day) ranking in ODI / T20 from 2nd to 7, lost two w/cps 2011, 2015, also he lost 7 series out of 9 ( two wins with C class team ZAMBA & SL) WY did not delivered uptill now anything, he have no qualified coach certificates, Just dummy coach, creating trouble for players, like Shohaib Akhtar, Razzak, Omer Akmal & Shahzad. It is great time to give Waqar safe exit and one way tkt to Sydney, and Higher and give this great roll to Sir Viv as Head coach and move right direction to Pak team. Great Sir VIV will bring his experience in all format of cricket, bcs WY did not produce single bowler in his tenure except losing matches, after Retirement of Misbah or before change Azhar ali as ODI captaincy and handover on merit to Sarfarz.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 04:00am
So you are participating in T20? Quite expected right?
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 04:15am
Sir Viv should be given the job for a coach for the T20 and the one day side---a full fledged coaching job---and not only the batting coach job.
He is a natural born leader and he needs to be solely in-charge of the guiding the team.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 04:36am
Viv has had a great influence on the Quetta team. The passion and energy he shows has been inspirational not only for the Quetta team but others as well. I think he will be a good addition to the coaching staff.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 05:08am
In order to get good, you have to get the best! I vote YES!
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 05:21am
Great idea but it would be better if he bats for Pakistan!
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 06:07am
so are you coming to play or not. make up your mind. ireland will be a good replacement.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 06:14am
He is the greatest of at least his era if not of all times.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 06:55am
@vijay are u kidding?
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 07:38am
I don't think we hire him as T20 coach. This is different format of games and he is not have much experience in T20
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 07:56am
@vijay : You got it wrong. In fact, I would say totally the other way. If any player of that generation would excel in t20, that would be Viv. He was simply genius.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 08:12am
Yes sure but coaching makes me remember a old story that's from South Africa. I am sure Sir Sir Sir Richards remember it too...
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 09:39am
LOLS PCB is preparing a scape goat for loosing in T20
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 10:52am
@Rajeev Velagapudi .. Pakistan has got no problem playing in india but indians got more problem letting Pakistanis playing in india ...
c the difference
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 11:13am
I need to give my input by saying that we have given enough time to Mr.Waqar and results everybody can see and now time to change to Sir Viv Richard as you can see Quetta performance!!!
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 12:32pm
No offense to the great Viv Richards but our players need a local batting consultant. Inzi did a great job when Pakistan Team visited India in 2012. Foreign coaches and our players do not mingle in properly due to language barriers. Local batting coaches understand the local culture and more importantly how the game is played at domestic level. If my advice has any value, i say hire a local coach.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 12:33pm
@bk .. mind ur own business pls.. its for us to decide.. u better watch on ur captian dhoni's corruption in IPL first ...
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 12:50pm
So The words from the Head coach Waqar and all the captains of Team Pakistan in different format are heard by PCB that our batting is lacking and we need some serious efforts to enhance the skills of our batsman. Sir Vivian Richards is one of the living legends we have right now. It will be honor for Team Pakistan if at least his consultancy will be available in major tournaments ahead. For Bowling Coach Azhar Mehmood will not be the right person, I think Waqar Should put more focus himself over the bowling and better bring Saqlain Mushtaq as Spin Bowling Consultant. Pakistan Team do not need any Coach but the mentors who could give some effective tips rest would be executed by the players and mainly by the captain. Waqar must also realize that now the time of experiments is gone and we need a combination well settled and gelled as a team. I am quite hopeful that after PSL everyone in Team Pakistan have learned a lot and with implementation we will see a much better cricket ahead.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 12:55pm
@bk : Feeling pity over your Remarks. Do you really think any ICC tournament with out Team Pakistan would be worthy to happen any where in the world. By the way Ireland is a very competitive team and could ruin Your celebrations in a moment if not Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 01:12pm
@Saima Khan : All praises for Imran Khan shows that you want a captain like him not a coach and by the way No one in our team is as capable as Imran Khan to be that powerful and farsighted. His quality of taking ownership of his decisions was great and here we have Three different captains with totally different mindset. So better if we could wait a bit to get Afridi retired after this event with an honor and then think of replacing someone like Sarfaraz by the way I am also in favor of his captaincy in One days also with having Azhar Ali as his main Batsman in Middle order. Azhar is quite talented and temperamental but unfortunately not a leadership material and I think he has been given enough chances to prove himself. Never the less Misbah is still good and we want all to see him play Test Cricket along with Younis Khan to shine under their performances and tenure whatever leftover.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 02:37pm
@Imtiaz Awan! Viv Richards may be the best batsman after Don Bradman. But, Don himself was definitely the best batsman after Sachin.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 06:08pm
@vijay His batting was meant for T20
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 06:21pm
@vijay Forget about batting record,just watch his Video of past and tell me one batsman who comes close to his batting strokes.Never came across another Viv Richards.It was Golden team of West Indies and we all loved watching them.Better you give tactics to Indian team who gets out for 90 runs in T20 against SL in India.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 07:08pm
Laughable as PCB is going to talk to someone who has never played T20...mind boggling really!!!
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 07:43pm
Let get the best for Pakistan. Its a great oppertunity for Viv Richard. We need a batting coach like him.
Recommend
0
Feb 19, 2016 08:55pm
@ Vijay
The first ten and esp. the last ten overs of a 50-over a game are no different to a T20 game, essentially requiring similar skills. It has always been the case since the 80s and 90s. We are seeing bigger scores in limited overs format these days because of a combination of shorter boundaries, general decline in bolwing standards, batsmen trying new innovations, technological innovations in bats, generally batting-friendly pitches around the world favour and new cricket rules since the 80s and 90s which overwhelmingly favour the batsmen. All of the above have hugely altered the balance between batsmen and bowlers. Hence it is unfair to compare players different eras.
Recommend
0
Feb 20, 2016 02:27am
The best decision PCB will make in perhaps 2 decades. Pakistan batting sucks at the moment baring few batsman. If you tell some one like Ahmed Shehzad "hey, get to the pitch of the ball" Ahmed will turn around and say what the hell are you talking about, I only stand and deliver. So now roping in Viv Richards as a batting coach will be huge bonus for Pakistan Cricket. They need some one like him to teach them what batting is all about, a constant presence. There cannot be a better person than him
Recommend
0
Feb 20, 2016 05:09am
@vijay Perhaps India does not play test cricket anymore, but Pakistan still does. There are plenty of those in Pakistan who can teach the T20 style of cricket. His coaching is exactly what the Pakistani batsmen need for test cricket.
Recommend
0
Feb 20, 2016 10:15am
He might be great in his time is still is the greatest but now he is being mercenary to earn a few Rupees.
Recommend
0
Feb 20, 2016 10:52am
I think Sir Vivian's role for Pakistan national cricket team should be exactly what he is been doing with Quetta Gladiators. His presence, personal and just being there with the players can do wonders. Sir Viv is too big a personality to be coach or a consultant. The sincerity and passion he displayed for gladiators is beyond words. Whole Pakistan love you Sir Viv. What a player, what a mentor.
Recommend
0
