PCB plays safe with Whatmore's appointment

Tipped to take over as Pakistan head coach, Dav Whatmore might have resigned from the helms of Kolkata Knight Riders but the PCB is apparently trying to play safe with an official on Monday saying that the Australian's decision has nothing to do with the board.

"That is his personal decision but as far as the PCB is concerned we are yet to enter into any agreement with him," the official, who declined to be named, said.

He said Whatmore would be visiting Lahore shortly after which it would be known whether an agreement is signed or not.

On the other hand, sources within the board said that negotiations between Intikhab Alam, who heads the committee appointed by the board to scrutinize, identify and recommend a list of coaches has held negotiations with Whatmore which have not gone into the advance stage.

"It is confirmed he is the number one choice for the head coach position by the board," one source said.

The "Jang" daily newspaper reported that Whatmore would be paid a monthly salary of USD 18,000 for his position which would include not only working with the national team but also working at the National cricket academy, watching domestic cricket and grooming local coaches.

"Whatmore has had most of his demands accepted by the board including the one that he will have say in selection matters and on his pay scale," the report said.

It also said that Whatmore had assured the PCB he would remain in Pakistan and work at the national cricket academy when he is free of commitments with the national team.

The report also said that some senior players were not pleased with the board's decision to pursue Whatmore and try to appoint him as head coach.

"Some of the seniors are reportedly not happy because of Whatmore's reputation as a hard task master and his having attitude problems," the report said.

Incidentally, even in 2007 when Pakistan went for foreign coaches, Whatmore was among a shortlist of three candidates but due to opposition from some players Australian Geoff Lawson was preferred by the board.

But this time it appears as if the PCB is not paying heed to the complaints of the few senior players who don't want Whatmore as their new head coach.