Pybus pulls out as Pakistan coach

By Rizwan Ehsan Ali

ISLAMABAD, JULY 11. The officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board will soon start looking for a foreign coach after South African Richard Pybus refused to continue as coach of the national team.

The South African on Tuesday turned down PCB's offer to continue with the team until 2003 World Cup. The 37-year-old Pybus has an eight-year-old daughter and since his wife has divorced him, Pybus wants to look after his young daughter. The PCB hired Pybus in May this year for the third time in two years for the two-Test and triangular series in England.

``It is not a setback for us,'' said Brig. Munawwar Ahmed Rana, Director Operations PCB. ``His continuation with the Pakistan team depended on his availability. He was satisfied over the performance of the team in England, but he has apologised for not staying in Pakistan for a long period,'' Rana said. ``But he enjoyed his stint with the team.''

Rana also confirmed that as per the board's policy, a foreign coach would be hired. ``I can't say how long it would take, but we would go for a foreign coach,'' he added.

Several foreign ex-Test cricketers turned down PCB's offers before Pybus was hired, including Greg Chappell and Barry Richards due to their pressing commitments. If PCB succeeds in hiring a new coach it would be the 10th coach in the last four years.

Australian coach Daryl Foster is one of the favourites for the coaching job before Pakistan meets Bangladesh in the Asian Test Championship match next month at home.

The PCB has invited Foster to train players at the five cricket academies all over the country. Manager Yawar Saeed, has praised Foster's effort with the team during the England tour after Foster was hired as a bowling coach for the two-Test series.

Initially, Foster would be asked to have a one-month job with the PCB. It is also likely that the Board would ask him to take up the coaching assignment with the Pakistan national team on permanent basis, an official of the board said.

Need for psychologist

Saeed also wants a full time psychologist for the national team. ``I have requested for a psychologist in the team, considering the nature of the game being played these days at international level,'' Yawar told newsmen.

He said Pakistan lost to Australia in the triangular final due to lack of mental toughness.

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Section  : Sport
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