Waqar Younis resigns as Pakistan coach

Published April 4, 2016
The former fast-bowler quit the job after Pakistan’s disastrous exit from the World T20. — Agencies
The former fast-bowler quit the job after Pakistan’s disastrous exit from the World T20. — Agencies

Pakistan's head coach Waqar Younis resigned on Monday weeks after his team's humiliating exit from the World Twenty20 in the group stages.

“I am resigning from my post today with a heavy heart,” a dejected Waqar said while addressing reporters outside the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

The former captain said the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) failure to implement his recommendations after the 2015 World Cup and the 'leak' of his confidential report after the team's disastrous run at the World T20 played a 'big' role in him walking away from his post three months before his contract expires.

“The cricket board’s failure to work on my recommendations after the 2015 World Cup is the major reason for my disappointment.”

“And the leak of a confidential report after the World T20 also influenced my decision. Ultimately, I want the betterment of Pakistan cricket and it is only right to walk away. I will, however, be available to help Pakistan in anyway,” he added.

The 44-year-old took on the job for the second time in 2014, having previously held the post in 2010-11.

He made a formidable partnership with Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq to lift the team to number two in the Test rankings late last year, a spot they had previously attained in 2006.

The fast-bowling legend failed, however, to reverse Pakistan's fortunes in the game's shorter formats, with the team ranked a lowly seventh and eighth place in Twenty20 and one-day internationals respectively.

In his leaked report, Younis criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to not give him a say in the selection process and blasted the captaincy of Shahid Afridi.

“We lost to New Zealand, Asia Cup and the World T20 due to poor captaincy. Over several occasions, I had made it clear that Shahid Afridi was not performing with the bat, ball or as a captain but I was not listened to,” he said.

Afridi also stepped down as the captain of the T20 side on Sunday but intends to continue playing for Pakistan in the shortest format.

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.