Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Shoaib keen to take up Pakistan bowling coach's role

August 17, 2012 18:45 IST

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his desire to become the bowling coach of the national cricket team.

Shoaib said that he was ready to take up the coaching job if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) asked him to.

"Cricket remains my passion and I would love to remain associated with the sport," said Shoaib.

Shoaib Akhtar"Yesterday I was a player, today I can be a coach. I want to give something back to Pakistan cricket. If the board talks to me I will be interested in becoming the national bowling coach," Shoaib said.

He also informed that he was already working on plans to hold a countrywide talent hunt to find new pacers and then groom some of them for the future.

The PCB recently issued a statement welcoming an offer by former captain and fast bowler, Wasim Akram to hold training camps for young fast bowlers.

The board said that it was keen to utilise the services of Akram and would discuss with him when he could be available to hold the fast bowling camp.

Asked if Shoaib planned to work as an expert in any channel during the upcoming Pakistan and Australia One-day series, Shoaib said he was considering some offers.

"The series itself will be very interesting because the Australians are always a tough side to play against.

"Of late they have been sketchy but that will count for nothing when the matches start as they have some strong players," Shoaib, who took 178 Test and 247 One-day wickets before announcing his retirement from international cricket during the last World Cup in 2011, said.

Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.