Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones, a well-known face in the cricket commentary box at present, could succeed Waqar Younis as coach of the Pakistan cricket team, the Press Trust of India has reported. Jones, 55, was head coach of Pakistan Super League side Islamabad United in the inaugural edition of the competition.
Waqar tendered his resignation after the team's dismal performances in the Asia Cup and the ICC World T20 2016. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently on the lookout for a new coach.
A source closely following the development informed the news agency Jones, along with former Aussie cricketer Tom Moody, are being zeroed in on as the best candidates for the head coach role of the Pakistan team. "Basically, the choice is down to former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody and Jones, but Moody is already committed to other assignments," the source told PTI, indicating Moody's current coaching assignment with IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The PTI report further said Pakistan veterans Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja have been given the responsibility to find the next coach for the cricket team. The PCB has also invited interested candidates to apply for the position within April 25.
However, even before the deadline, the PCB seems to have found their ideal candidate in Jones, who also has the support of Akram. "Wasim has conveyed to the board that Jones could be a good choice having worked with him with the Islamabad team and seen his temperament and skills," the source told PTI.
Meanwhile, the PCB has also reportedly agreed that Mohsin Khan will be the next Pakistan cricket team manager, while former spinner Iqbal Qasim will be the new chief selector. The PCB had announced only a week back that the existing team selection committee stood disbanded and a new committee would be formed in due course.
Sarfraz Ahmed was also announced as the new skipper of the team.
