ECB chief delighted Aaqib Javed is staying with the UAE

Denzil Pinto 13:16 10/04/2016
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  • Javed (c) with his UAE team.

    Last Monday, former Pakistani fast bowler Javed revealed his interest to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who approached him on the possibility of succeeding Waqar Younis, who resigned after a disastrous group stage exit at the World Twenty20.

    But after learning the applicants must apply online on the official PCB website where the vacancy is posted as well as Javed claiming they want to hire a foreign coach, he distanced himself from the job on Wednesday evening.

    While East acknowledged that no contact was made from the PCB, the 58-year-old said the rumours linking Javed, who has been in charge since 2012, to the top position, was difficult to take.

    “It is very settling when there was all sorts of speculation going on,” said East, who was present at Abu Dhabi Cricket Council’s press conference yesterday.

    “Aaqib was very clear to say he is very happy with the UAE team and obviously we are looking forward to working with him.”

    Javed is no stranger to Pakistani’s national set-up. Prior to his move to the UAE, he was the bowling coach of the seniors side and had also guided the Under-19s to World Cup glory in 2004.

    East could understand why Javed was keen to take charge of his native country.

    “I know Aaqib very well and he’s a very ambitious coach. Most important, he’s a very good coach,” he said.

    “If an opportunity did come to coach his national team, I’m sure that would be very attractive. He’s decided at this time to concentrate and put his focus with the UAE team and we are very grateful for that.”

    Since Javed took over the reigns four years ago, the Associate side have improved considerably. Qualification for the 2014 World Twenty20, the 50-over World Cup in 2015, and the Asia Cup earlier this year are among their finest feats.

    And with Javed having no intention to move on, East is confident the team can continue to strive under the 1992 World Cup winner.

    “He’s been with us for four years and has made a significant difference in terms of helping develop a competitive team,” he said.

    “I think now we’ve got clarity in terms of what is going forward we can start to plan and take the national team forward.”

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