Whatmore says is leaving Pak with `fond memories and heavy heart`

Karachi: Outgoing Pakistani coach Dav Whatmore has said that he is leaving the team with a heavy heart and fond memories of Pakistan after his two-year contract with the national team comes to a conclusion in February.

However, Whatmore has left early after he had the choice of availing a month`s leave, which he had not taken and hence will not see out his contract till the end of February in Pakistan. According to the Express Tribune, Whatmore said that the last two years have been terrific in terms of the challenges he had with Pakistan, although he added that he is leaving the side with fond memories and a heavy heart. He further added that he was leaving his charge on a high as Pakistan had recently secured a stunning series-levelling victory against Sri Lanka in Sharjah. The report mentioned that Whatmore ended his tenure with the team successfully chasing down a daunting 302-run target on the final day. Meanwhile, Whatmore said that despite the security situation in Pakistan being an issue of concern for international teams, he always had felt safe in the country throughout his stint and hoped that international cricket would soon return to Pakistan. The report mentioned that during his tenure, Pakistan failed to win a Test series, losing to South Africa 3-0 last year and to Sri Lanka 1-0 in 2012. Additionally, Pakistan also went on to draw a Test series against Zimbabwe 1-1.