Pakistan can get to the top of world rankings: Waqar
September 24th, 2011 - 4:21 pm ICT by IANSKarachi, Sep 24 (IANS) Waqar Younis, who quit as Pakistan cricket coach last week, says the squad he managed is highly capable of taking the country to the top of the world rankings.
Lahore-based Pakistani cricketers and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials gave Waqar a farewell Friday night at the National Cricket Academy, hours before the former captain left for Sydney, reports the Express Tribune.
Waqar, who had said the Zimbabwe tour would be his last, citing personal and health reasons for quitting, was with the team for a little over a year.
“It’s not like I won’t be coming back to Pakistan as this is my own country,” said Waqar before departing from Lahore airport.
“I am leaving for personal reasons, but once things improve, I will definitely give coming back a thought. In the meantime, it was a good experience with the PCB as well as the players. Coaching Pakistan was an experience altogether which went well.”
Waqar, who decided to step down before his contract ended in December, is said to be suffering from a liver ailment for which his Sydney doctors have advised him long-term treatment under their direct supervision.
Despite severe criticism by former captain Shahid Afridi, Waqar termed his tenure successful as he facilitated the creation of a team that is gelling well.
“I am leaving the team as a unit and I hope they remain that way. They are capable of giving Sri Lanka a tough time. And with the spirit in the team that I have seen, I am optimistic of good results.”
Former Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam praised Waqar for his services.
“I have worked with him in various capacities and found him a true professional,” said Alam.
“Apart from his wonderful cricketing career, he has now done an excellent job with the team as a coach and obviously his resignation is a setback to our plans.”
“His performance was outstanding,” said PCB chairman Ijaz Butt. “I can understand the reasons for his wanting to leave and I hope he is able to resolve all his issues. He’s welcome to come back and serve Pakistan cricket any time.”
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- Intikhab admits Pak manager's job "not easy anymore" after spot-fixing scandal - Oct 08, 2010
- Afridi is 'immature': Younis in report to PCB - Jun 07, 2011
- Waqar Younis eyes redemption for Pak cricket by winning World Cup - Feb 11, 2011
- Shahid Afridi retained as Pak captain for ICC World Cup: Intikhab Alam - Feb 04, 2011
- Waqar Younis resigns as Pakistan coach - Aug 20, 2011
- Qadir questions Waqar's appointment as bowling coach - Dec 17, 2009
- PCB officially appoints Waqar as head coach, names Ijaz Ahmed as deputy - Mar 02, 2010
- PCB's axing of players instead of management "joke of the century": Pak newspaper - Apr 07, 2011
- Team spirit a top priority for Younis - Mar 29, 2010
- Pakistan coach rubbishes reports of sacking - Dec 14, 2009
- Miandad refuses Afridi's request to join Pak team to New Zealand - Dec 13, 2010
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