Waqar open to coaching Pak cricket team fulltime

Lahore, Feb 20 (ANI): Pakistan bowling legend Waqar Younis, who was the team's bowling and fielding coach during the disastrous trip of Australia, is ready to don the mantle full time, if approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Younis was appointed Pakistan's bowler and bowling coach only for the series against Australia.

He said he would love to coach the senior side on a longer-term basis. Though the Pakistan board has not said so openly, it has acknowledged that they are looking for a new coach to replace Intikhab Alam.

"If offered I would love to take on the role of coach. Pakistan cricket remains my absolute passion and number one priority. I don't want to do it on an appointment or short-term basis though," the Daily Times quoted Waqar, as saying.

"I'd like to have time to work with the boys, to really be able to plan ahead," said Waqar whose first stint as bowling coach was between March 2006 and January 2007.

"I enjoyed that stint when I was with (Bob) Woolmer, though I worked with limited resources then and in a limited role," he said. "It would make more sense to have a broader role and greater authority if I do work with the side again," he said.

Even as the inevitable blame game swiftly followed the whitewash in Australia, Waqar quietly gave his own report of the tour to the inquiry committee.

"I said what I wanted to say in the report and gave it in. I just want to help make things better and not point fingers at anyone in particular. We lost the series and my report says why I think we lost. I have given some suggestions as well," Waqar said. (ANI)