Karachi: Former head coach of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricket team, Aqib Javed was reportedly the first choice of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) however the former Pakistani paceman is not ‘in a position’ to accept the offer citing other commitments. “Yes they (Bangladesh Cricket Board) did offer Aqib Javed the bowling coach role but the timing is not right for him (Aqib). He recently joined the Lahore Qalandars and will not be able to leave [for Bangladesh] at this stage”, a source told “scoreline.org”
Aqib Javed, 43, recently joined the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Lahore Qalandars as Director after resigning as the UAE head coach.
Aqib Javed was interested in Pakistan team’s coaching as well however refused to apply for the post because, in view of the statements from relevant quarters, he felt the job would be handed over to a foreigner.
Aqib’s forecast came true when the Pakistan Cricket Board shortlisted all foreigners for the post and subsequently appointed Mickey Arthur, who recently acquired Australian nationality, as national team’s head coach.
After Aqib’s refusal now Chaminda Vaas, Champaka Ramanayake, Venkatesh Prasad, Courtly Ambrose and Shane Bond are the candidates for Bangladesh bowling coach slot which is lying vacant since Heath Streak resigned late last month.
The writer is a Pakistani sports journalist & tweets @mak_asif