Waqar Younis steps down as Pakistan head coach
After Shahid Afridi, Waqar Younis today resigned as the head coach of Pakistan. He announced his resignation after a meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board president Shaharyar Khan.
The former bowling legend has had a wretched time so far and he came under heavy criticism over Pakistan’s performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup and the World T20. It was Waqar's second tenure as head coach after he was appointed in May 2014 for a two-year contract. His first stint was in 2010-11, when he had resigned due to personal reasons.
“I am resigning as the head coach of Pakistan cricket team,” said Waqar while addressing the media outside PCB headquarters. “I am stepping away with a heavy heart. I want to thank everyone with whom I have worked honestly for the last 19 months. I tried my best to help all the players become better versions of themselves.”
Will not draw his salary
Waqar however said that he was very disappointed when his confidential report about the performance of the players was leaked to the media. He also announced that he will not draw his remaining salary as per his contract and suggested that the money should be pumped into the domestic set-up.
“I request the players, former and current, to take care of Pakistan cricket,” said Waqar. “My services will always be available for the country. Meanwhile, I have three months left till the expiry of my contract. I would request the PCB to invest remaining five to six millions rupees due to me into domestic cricket which lack sponsors.”
Waqar however maintained that he will remain available to offer any service in the future if the PCB considers him worthy.
After the dismal performance of Pakistan, Waqar had submitted a report to the PCB in which he came down hard on Shahid Afridi and questioned his attitutde and thinking process. He also lambasted Umar Akmal for his demeanour and troublesome manners and claimed that was always confrontational. He was backed by team manager Intikhab Alam when he claimed that Afridi was an "absolutely clueless" captain.
Earlier in the week Shahid Afridi too relinquished his captaincy, but maintained that he will continue to be a part of the team.