Akhtar ready to become Pakistan’s next bowling coach if PCB gives nod

Islamabad: Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said he is ready to serve as the bowling coach of the national cricket team, provided the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agrees.

Pakistan have been hunting for a bowling coach since appointing Australian Dav Whatmore as head coach in March, with former Essex pace man Ian Pont the leading contender. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set up a three-man committee to find a suitable candidate, but so far nothing has been finalized. “I am ready to be the bowling coach for Pakistan. If the PCB contacts me, then I will offer my services,” the Dawn newspaper quoted Akhtar, as saying. Akhtar’s career was plagued by fitness and discipline problems, and he retired from cricket after last year’s World Cup. Akhtar took 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 247 in 163 one-day internationals. “It’s an honour to serve the country, and, it can be done by helping upcoming bowlers. It will give me a chance to pay back what the country has given me,” said Akhtar. ANI