Clarification of press reports regarding Waqar Younis by Pakistan Cricket Board

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Event:

Pakistan in India 2004/05

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DateLine: 25th February 2005

 

Media Release - 25 February 2005

 

Clarification of press reports regarding Waqar Younis

 

There have been some press reports regarding Waqar Younis being employed by PCB as a bowling coach that need to be placed in perspective. The facts are as follows:

 

1. The suggestion that Waqar Younis should be appointed bowling coach to the national team for the India tour initially came from captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. Chairman PCB consulted the National Coach Bob Woolmer who stated that he would be happy to have Waqar Younis on board for the India tour.

 

2. On his return from Australia where he had been a commentator on television, Waqar Younis was informed that one of the hurdles to his appointment was a possible conflict of interest that the PCB wished to avoid. Waqar Younis clarified that if he was appointed bowling coach he would not be taking on television assignments for that period. [Incidentally, PCB did not summon Waqar Younis from Australia to engage in these discussions.]

 

3. At the 18th Feb meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee, after a lengthy discussion in which Woolmer repeated that he was comfortable with Waqar Younis being assigned as bowling coach for India, it was agreed that Waqar Younis should be appointed the bowling coach for the India tour.

 

4. The following day Waqar Younis was informed of the decision. He replied that being appointed for the short period tour of the India and even the West Indies made no sense and that he was interested in a long term contract i.e. until the World Cup 2007. The Chairman replied that PCB's offer was for a short term contract and if Waqar Younis insisted on a long term appointment, the issue would need to be discussed again by the Ad Hoc Committee.

 

5. On 23rd Feb, Waqar Younis informed the Chairman that the shortest period for the assignment that he could consider was one year i.e. until March 2006.

 

6. The issue was raised at the Ad Hoc Committee meeting on 24th Feb which decided that while Waqar Younis would be considered for long term assignment, it was necessary to evaluate all candidates who have the necessary qualifications for the post of bowling coach at the National Academy. PCB had all along considered the proposal for a bowling coach in the context of a short term assignment (India & West Indies). No financial terms were therefore discussed in PCB's meetings with Waqar Younis.

 

7. PCB has been shocked however, at the racist remarks ascribed to Mr Waqar Younis and believes that he has been misquoted. As a former captain of Pakistan and a highly respected cricketer, he could not have uttered the base remarks normally associated with uneducated minds.

 

Media Department

(Article: Copyright © 2005 Pakistan Cricket Board)