DUBAI // Aaqib Javed says he is "definitely looking for the job" of Pakistan coach after Waqar Younis resigned from the role.
The UAE coach says he was told last week he would be considered if Waqar, who was a former playing colleague of his with Pakistan, vacated the position.
After Pakistan's poor performances in both the World Twenty20 and the Asia Cup that preceded it, captain Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar have both stepped down.
Aaqib believes he could “make a difference” to Pakistan cricket, and that “every person would be proud to help and work for the country where belong to”.
"I am definitely looking for this job if they consider me," Aaqib, who has been head coach of the UAE since 2012, told The National.
“I have worked really hard for the past 15 years, have learned a lot, and UAE has really helped me a lot.
“They rang me about a week ago and said ‘We are considering you as one of the candidates for the head coach job for the Pakistan team if Waqar goes’. I still believe I am one of the candidates.”
Read more:
Waqar Younis resigns as Pakistan cricket coach as UAE’s Aaqib Javed could fill void
Shahid Afridi steps down as Pakistan T20 captain ‘of my own volition’
If Aaqib was offered the job, the Emirates Cricket Board would be unlikely to stand in the way of a man who has helped transform the game in this country.
The national team have qualified for both the World Twenty20 and the 50 over World Cup on his watch, having not played at a global competition in 16 years before he arrived.
Aaqib left the role of bowling coach of the Pakistan national team to move to the UAE four years ago, and he says he is ready to rejoin the fold, if required.
“When I took over the UAE job, it was a brave decision,” he said. “Thanks to God, I am so satisfied we have achieved all the targets we had. This is what drives you forward.
“Previously I worked with the Pakistan team for three and a half years as the assistant coach and bowling coach.
“I have 15 years experienced and am the only Pakistani coach who started at the grassroots level, with under 15, 17 and 19 years, and spent a good time with the A team.
“All these guys [Pakistan’s players] used to work with me, right from Misbah-ul-Haq through to everyone else. I have worked closely with them at the academies.
“I believe if you have done something good for the players when they are young, I think those investments were really good for the person.”
When the job as Pakistan head coach was available in 2014, Aaqib distanced himself from it, suggesting his family were well settled in Dubai.
Although he admits he does covet the role now, Aaqib would consider keeping his family in the UAE, given the national team currently play their home matches here anyway, of he was offered it.
“It is not far away, a two and a half hour journey, so that might be a suitable arrangement,” Aaqib said.
pradley@thenational.ae
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