LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan on Saturday said that the name of head coach of the national team would be announced after getting approval from the Board of Governors (BoG) whose meeting is scheduled for Monday.

Talking to reporters after visiting a fitness camp which concluded here at the Gaddafi Stadium, the chairman also disclosed that the Board was faced with hurdles in getting visas for the convicted trio of opener Salman Butt, and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.

The PCB chief said that the BoG would be consulted in finalizing the name from both local and foreign candidates for the post of head coach which has been vacant since Waqar Younis resigned last month.

Board facing problems with visas for tainted players

It will be the first time that the BoG would be taken into confidence regarding the finalisation of the head coach since the PCB always opted to bypass it in the past.

It is believed that the decision to consult the BoG over the appointment of head coach is taken after one of the members of the governing board, namely Zafar Mahmood (Wapda), raised objection over bypassing the BoG in appointment of Inzamam-ul-Haq as chief selector. Zafar has written a letter to the PCB to express his reservations.

In fact, the PCB chief admitted that Zafar had indeed expressed his reservations over bypassing of the BoG. “Yes, I received a letter from Mr. Zafar who raised concerns over appointment of Inzamam. I have also replied his letter to address his grievance.”

On the occasion, Shaharyar admitted that complications surfaced in getting visas for the three tainted cricketers, especially of countries like England, Australia and New Zealand.

Though Amir succeeded in getting visas of both New Zealand and Australia early this year to be part of the Pakistan team for the first time after serving his five-year ban imposed on him in a spot fixing scam, he is still facing problems in getting visa.

It may be mentioned here that the national team will be largely depending on Amir in the upcoming England series starting in July.

Moreover, Salman is likely to get a chance for England tour after serving a five-year ban since Pakistan has so far been unable to produce any reliable opening batsmen.

Talking about the constant disciplinary problems, Shaharyar said maintaining discipline among players was PCB’s top priority. However, he said that veteran batsman Younis Khan had apologized for his wrongdoing in the ongoing Pakistan Cup due to which he was pardoned.

On the other hand, the PCB chief said the acts of indiscipline by Ahmad Shehzad (who broke dressing room glasses with his bat) and Umar Akmal (who went to watch a stage drama during the Pakistan Cup) were of minor nature, adding that the Board had decided not to penalise them.

Answering a question regarding the inclusion of sixth outfit in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the chairman said though Najam Sethi was the appropriate person to give answer, he maintained that it was decided to increase the number of teams from five to six in the next edition.

Also, Wapda had organised the fitness camp at the Gaddafi Stadium about which reporters were confused whether to cover the event.

While the PCB was not willing to allow journalists to have a talk with the PCB chairman, the Wapda Sport Board sent frequent invitations to media persons to attend the function.

When the situation was brought to the notice of Wapda, a clear message was conveyed that all are invited to cover the event.

The poor coordination between the PCB and its affiliated units is the sheer reflection of mismanagement on part of the Board.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2016