The committee established to appoint a new bowling coach for Pakistan has almost finalised its decision and according to sources, shortlisted Bangaldeshi bowling coach Ian Pont and Pakistan’s former fast bowler Muhammad Akram have a tie.
[caption id="attachment_269" align="alignright" width="300"]
Pakistan’s present fielding coach Julian Fountain (left) and Ian Pont have worked together in Bangladesh national side and later on in Dhaka Gladiators[/caption]Sources told Cricnama that committee members have agreed to shortlist these two. Let’s see who is selected.
It, however, seems that Ian Pont has an edge here as he has the backing of the new coach Dav Whatmore, fielding coach Julian Fountain and a former skipper of Pakistani team. While some former captains of Pakistan support Muhammad Akram. It’s important to note that Fountain and Pont were part of the Bangladeshi coaching squad only a year ago and both are Britain’s ex- Rugby players too.
Ian Pont, a right arm fast bowler, used to play for English county of Essex. He decided not to extend his contract as a Bangladesh bowling coach last year. However, he took the job as a head coach of the victorious side of the recently held Bangladesh Premier League, Dhaka Gladiators. He has also authored two books ‘The Fast Bowler’s Bible’ and ‘Youth Cricket Coaching’.
The Coach Selection Committee had received twelve applications among which they shortlisted Akram and Pont, and now the debate is on to pick the final one.
It has been reported that Sabih Azhar, Pakistan A and Under 19 coach, is also interested in this job and he has expressed his willingness directly in his meeting with Whatmore. It is said that Sabih is an intelligent coach with an excellent record and lots of sympathisers in board as well, yet it’s unlikely for him to get this position. Pakistan’s ex fast bowler Jalaluddin and Mohsin Kamal and Maldivian coach Bazegh Zaka were among the candidates of the post.
The Pakistan Cricket Board would appoint the new bowling coach before the probable tour of Sri Lanka in July this year. This position became vacant after the Aqib Javed resigned last month, who has now taken up responsibilities of UAE’s national team coach.
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