LAHORE: In a surprise move, former Test all-rounder Mudassar Nazar accepted the role as ‘Icon’ of Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Lahore Qalandars which also appointed former Test pacer Aaqib Javed as Director Cricket Operations on Tuesday.

Mudassar’s appointment came as a surprise as he was in negotiations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the post of the Director National Cricket Academy (NCA).

“Mudassar will be our icon, our mentor,” franchise owner Rana Fawad told reporters at a news conference flanked by Mudassar, Aqib and head coach Ijaz Ahmed.

Mudassar said he was “honoured” to take the unheard of post.

“It’s an honour for me to be a part of a team from my city,” he said, although coy whether he would leave the role if appointed NCA Director.

“The PCB is yet to advertise for the said post and I will first see what their requirement is and if it doesn’t suit me, I won’t accept it. I am still working with the ICC academy in Dubai.”

Mudassar, though, expressed his concern about NCA’s future.

“To handle the NCA is a big task,” he said. “Whoever comes in as a director will have to start from scratch. If we work consistently at the NCA, only then we will be able to raise top quality players.”

He was, however, impressed by the PSL.

“It’s a plus point for Pakistan cricket at the moment and will help our youngsters get international exposure,” he said.

Rana said there was at present no financial remuneration for either Mudassar or Aaqib but it “will be decided later on in a transparent manner”.

Aaqib had been the front-runner for the post of Pakistan head-coach after Waqar Younis stepped down in the wake of Pakistan’s dismal performance in the World Twenty20 but withdrew from the running as he believed the PCB’s panel comprising Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja had already made up their mind to appoint a foreign coach.

He, however, was open towards working with the PCB in any other capacity.

“Under-19 and ‘A’ teams need the most competent coaches working with them and I don’t only want the role of the head coach,” said the former United Arab Emirates coach.

In an apparent jibe at Waqar, who is now enjoying a commentary stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Aaqib added: “I won’t become a commentator if I’m not given the head coach role.”

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2016