Waqar considering applying for head coach role

Former Pakistan cricketer Waqar Younis is still contemplating joining the race to be the Men in Green’s head coach, after having already applied for the vacant bowling coach position.

While talking in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, the former pacer confirmed his interest for the bowling coach role.

“I have only applied for the bowling coach position till now but I still have few days left, so I might apply for the head coach job as well,” said Waqar. “However, I feel that I am not ready for that and I can better contribute in the bowling department for Pakistan.”

“When you are not mentally prepared for something then you should stick to your expertise,” he added.

Misbah top contender for Pakistan’s head coach position

Waqar is confident that he will be comfortable working under any head coach.

“I would have no problem working under anyone as I have learned coaching while playing and working under different coaches,” he said. “These things don’t matter in today’s age. Ricky Ponting is also currently working under Justin Langer in Australia coaching staff.”

“My reputation shouldn’t matter as our goal should be to take Pakistan cricket forward,” he added.

The 47-year-old feels that the former Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq will be able to adapt to the head coach job if given the responsibility.

“Misbah is a wonderful leader who had taken Pakistan to number one ranking in Test cricket,” he said. “I am not sure how he is going to be as a coach but leaders like Misbah can learn and adapt well to new roles.”

Misbah can learn and adapt well to new roles: Waqar Younis

Waqar has also backed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB’s) decision to reduce the number of teams in domestic cricket.

“I agree with the PCB’s move as lesser teams will improve the quality of first-class cricket. I had mentioned the same thing in my report to the board three years ago,” he said. “Hopefully moving to provincial teams from department cricket will generate more interest in people for domestic cricket which could lead to matches being televised.”