LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team bowling coach Waqar Younis has regretted that former captain Younis Khan had stepped down as the batting coach of the team just days before the England tour.
“It’s unfortunate Younis Khan stepping down as the batting coach at the stroke of a big tour. It has happened, but this shouldn’t have happened,” the bowling coach said while addressing a virtual press conference from the United Kingdom today (Monday).
Waqar said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Younis both had given explanations on their differences. The bowling coach added that “Younis was a great help… [and] his work ethic has always been good.”
Last month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had issued a statement announcing that the board and Younis had mutually agreed to part ways. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan had said it was sad to lose an expert of Younis’ stature and experience.
“I want to thank Younis for his contributions during his short stint as the men’s national cricket team’s batting coach and hope he will remain available to assist the PCB by sharing his vast knowledge with the emerging cricketers,” he had said.
Today (Monday), Waqar Younis also lamented the lack of ‘ideal’ preparations ahead of the tough series against England due to rain. The 49-year-old believed that more time on the ground could have proved beneficial for the players and the team.
“We could not have ideal preparations due to rain. It would have been better if the sun was out and we could have spent more time on the ground,” Younis added.
To a question about allrounder Haris Sohail frequently getting unfit during international tours, Waqar replied that that, too, was unfortunate. “Otherwise we all know that he is a good talent,” he added,
Particularly naming Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, he said he was pleased with the bowlers’ performance. “It takes time for bowlers to adjust for ODIs after playing T20s. The pacers are getting into a good rhythm,” he added,
With regards to planning for the series against England, he said, “We are keeping a close eye on the game of English players and the plans we will devise will come good.”
Waqar was also asked to share his views on reports of PCB chief executive Wasim Khan visiting fast bowler Mohammad Amir. He said he was not aware of the development until the media reported it, adding that it was the PCB head’s prerogative whether to visit Amir or not.
