The Pakistan Cricket Board may opt for an interim coach for the series against Sri Lanka as there is not enough time to complete the process of appointing a long-term head coach of the national team. The board has appointed a special committee headed by former Test captain Intikhab Alam to shortlist and recommend names for the position of head coach of the national team. The board has also invited applications from interested candidates — both local and foreign — by September 26. Intikhab has confirmed that the committee will meet on September 29 in Karachi to go through the list of candidates who have applied and then send a list to the Board. “It is true that we don’t have much time before the series against Sri Lanka and even if the committee sends us a list of interested candidates it would be difficult for us to complete the process of negotiations and appointment in 15 days time,” a PCB official was quoted as saying. “Time is short for us it is possible we might be able to reach an agreement for the head coach position before the team leaves for Dubai. But we don’t want to push things and want to be sure about our choice. We have the option of appointing an interim coach for the Sri Lanka series,” he added. During Pakistan’s recent tour to Zimbabwe, former Test batsman Ijaz Ahmed was assistant coach to Waqar Younis who has stepped down after the tour due to personal and health reasons. The official said that Ijaz, former assistant coach, Aaqib Javed and others could be considered as interim coach. “Let us see which are the candidate the committee shortlists and sends to us after September 29. If we are dealing with a local coach the process of appointing him could be much faster but if we go for a foreigner than it could take longer,” he said.
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