FAISALABAD, Oct 25: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has been asked by the Afghanistan Cricket Federation to coach their junior team in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) trophy early next year in India.

Rashid, who pulled out of the Test series against South Africa after stepping down as captain, said on Saturday: “They want me to act as their coach in the tournament. But I have yet to take any decision as I am going to make myself available for Pakistan’s tour to New Zealand in December.”

The Afghanistan junior team toured Karachi recently on the invitation of the cricket academy run by Rashid.

The 34-year-old who has had a chequered career as a Pakistan player between 1992 and 2003 said he would be leading his domestic team, Allied Bank in the qualifiers for first-class domestic season starting next week.

“I have decided to play for my bank at the domestic level as I still want to remain in contention for the tour to New Zealand and particularly if India tours Pakistan early next year,” he said. “I have not made up my mind to retire as yet.”

Rashid has been replaced in the Pakistan team as wicket-keeper by Moin Khan in the Test series against South Africa. Moin, another ex-Test skipper, was recalled after 30 months on the sidelines.—Reuters