ISLAMABAD: Former captain and wicket-keeper Rashid Latif believes the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should appoint a spin bowling coach for the national team as well, suggesting former Test off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq’s name for the job.

Rashid said that as far as the spin department is concerned, there is no harm in hiring a separate individual for it.

“In my view, Saqlain Mushtaq is the fit man for the job,” said Rashid, who himself represented Pakistan in 37 Test matches from 1992 to 2003.

The PCB last week confirmed former fast bowler Mohammad Akram as the bowling coach for the national team.

Lauding the decision, Rashid said the step would have a significant impact on the Pakistan team as a whole.

“I have known him [Akram] for years. He is a hard-worker and knows the art of man-management which is the key to modern coaching methodology,” he highlighted.

Rashid had been speaking highly of Akram ever since the PCB started the hunt for the team’s bowling coach.

“Akram is qualified and familiar with the philosophy of modern coaching. I hope he will treat the players equally, and deal with them accordingly as well. I am sure he is capable of doing it,” Rashid remarked.

Responding to a question, he said Akram’s experience should be utilised more at the academy and at the junior level.

“Dav Whatmore and Akram would make a good combination which will serve the team well,” he said.

Akram, who is based in England, will join the Pakistan squad in the UAE for the series against Australia beginning from Tuesday.

Akram has played nine Tests and 23 One-day Internationals for Pakistan between 1995 and 2001.

He has also represented Sussex, Surrey, Essex and Northamptonshire on the English county circuit.—Agencies