LAHORE, Feb 24: Waqar Younis, the man who spelt doom for the batsmen the world over in his heyday was on Thursday fuming after learning that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not want him as a bowling coach.
"I am not disheartened that I have not been appointed but I am certainly disappointed the way the case was handled," Waqar told Dawn. The PCB had initially planned to appoint Waqar as the bowling coach for the forthcoming tour of India but later decided against doing so, a decision that upset the former champion speedster.
Known as the Burewala Express for his searing pace and toe-crushers, Waqar said that the PCB contacted him in Australia for the assignment while he was not quite willing. "I am not mad to go for just one series, I have no magic stick to set things right at a short notice."
Dismissing the impression that he was seeking a hefty salary, Waqar said that he had only wanted a one-year contract, at least till the next Asia Cup in February-March.
"An appointment for just one series would be a waste of time and money," Waqar pointed out and added that had he been white- skinned a four-year contract would have been conveniently offered. The Pakistan cricket team heads to India on Monday for a full series comprising three Tests and six one-day Internationals.
AFP ADDS: "We wanted to take him (Younis) to India but he wanted a long-term contract so it could not be decided," PCB chief Shaharyar Khan told reporters. "We would still like Waqar as a bowling coach for the national academy on a long term basis," declared Shaharyar.
