Pakistan keen to appoint Vivian Richards as mentor for Asia Cup and World T20

Karachi, Feb 19: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is holding negotiations with legendary West Indian batsman Sir Vivian Richards to appoint him as mentor of the national team for the forthcoming Asia Cup and ICC World T20 in Bangladesh and India.

Full schedule of Asia Cup

A highly placed source in the Board confirmed to PTI that talks were being held with Richards as the PCB was keen to have him on board as mentor for the two premier T20 events.

"Yes the board is very impressed with the way Richards has worked as mentor with the Quetta Gladiators team in the Pakistan Super League and also want him to mentor the Pakistan squad in the Asia Cup and World T20," the source said. (World T20 fixtures and squads)

He said one obstacle in the appointment of Richards as mentor was that he had some media commitments in the ICC World T20. (I am open to coaching Pakistan: Richards)

"They are trying to find a solution because the Board is keen Richards should mentor the Pakistan team but he has not agreed to anything as yet," the source said.

Richards himself this week expressed interest in any assignment with Pakistan cricket. Former Zimbabwean batsman Grant Flower has been Pakistan's batting coach since 2014.

The source also confirmed that the PCB was in talks with former Pakistan Test allrounder Azhar Mahmood to appoint him as bowling coach for the two events and probably give him a long-term assignment.

"They are looking at Azhar for these two events since he is an active T20 player in all leagues and has impressed everyone in the PSL with the Islamabad team," the source said.

He said if Azhar comes in for long-term he will replace Mushtaq Ahmed as bowling coach who will probably be sent back to the National Cricket Academy.

PTI