Waqar Younis resigns as Pakistan coach

IANS: Waqar Younis has stepped down as Pakistan cricket team coach citing personal reasons and said the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe will be his last assignment.

Younis, who took over from Intikhab Alam as coach March last year, said he has enjoyed his stint with the national team. The PCB is yet to name a replacement.

“I have tendered my resignation to the [Pakistan Cricket] board last week and the tour to Zimbabwe will be my last,” Younis said at a press conference here.

“I have taken this decision on personal grounds, including medical grounds, and have no differences with anyone and my resignation has been accepted by the board.

Had everything in my personal life – that is, my wife’s health and my own – been all right, I would not have taken this decision. But I do not want to fail to do the job justice because of the personal problems on my mind.”

The high point of Waqar’s tenure was Pakistan’s successful tour of New Zealand followed by their semifinal appearance in the World Cup. His stint, however, also witnessed the spot-fixing controversy which erupted during the tour of England last year.

Waqar described said he had a “rollercoaster” time as a coach and admitted his side was shocked when informed about his decision.

“It was a roller coaster for me, with a lot of controversies including the spot-fixing scandal, but I am proud of the fact that all these young boys have carried on the good work despite these problems,” he said.

“I only told the players Saturday morning, and they were shocked because until today the matter was between me and the PCB, but I am sure that this young team will do well in future.”

PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar confirmed they have accepted Waqar’s resignation.

“The PCB has accepted his resignation and understands his personal reasons. His tenure was good and we wish him the best in his future,” he said.

Pakistan play one practice game, one Test, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches on the tour of Zimbabwe which starts Aug 28.