Dav Whatmore to Help Afghanistan, Ireland, Scotland, UAE prepare for 2015 World Cup

The International Cricket Council on Thursday announced that Dav Whatmore will help Afghanistan, Ireland, Scotland and UAE prepare for cricket's marquee 50-over event, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, as part of the ICC High Performance Programme.

Whatmore, who has previously coached Full Member teams Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, will work closely with the ICC High Performance Manager and each of the four teams in an advisory and support role as they prepare for the 2015 World Cup, which commences on February 14, in Australia and New Zealand.

Whatmore will begin his new role during the ICC HPP Support Staff Forum, which opens on May 14 in Scotland, where he will meet each of the teams' coaches and start to provide tailored assistance.

Reacting to his appointment, Whatmore said: "I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with the leading Associate and Affiliate teams during such a memorable period in world cricket.  We have seen some amazing performances recently from these teams, and, over the next 10 months, I look forward to being able to assist in honing their performances even further."

Having coached Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996, Whatmore has first-hand knowledge of the preparations needed to succeed on the global stage.

"The Cricket World Cup is the world's biggest stage for any cricketer.  It takes hard work, dedication and motivation to succeed at such a huge global event, as well as unflinching confidence.  I hope to be able to assist on all of these fronts to ensure that Afghanistan, Ireland, Scotland and the UAE fire on all cylinders from the moment they arrive in Australia and New Zealand next year," he added.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "We welcome Dav Whatmore to this important advisory role.  Dav's extensive coaching experience, including leading Sri Lanka to its unforgettable ICC Cricket World Cup victory in 1996, will provide excellent support and expertise to the four qualifying teams as they put the finishing touches on their preparations for cricket's premier one-day tournament."  

Ireland coach and former West Indies Test player Phil Simmons, who led Ireland to a unique treble in 2013 when it became the first team to win three ICC events across three formats in one season, welcomed the appointment, saying: "Ireland is focused on making a big impact in Australia and New Zealand in 10 months' time, and we have detailed plans in place to make sure we do just that.  With Dav's knowledge and experience, we will gain an extra edge in our preparations."     

Afghanistan coach and former Pakistan bowler Kabir Khan, whose side claimed the second qualification spot at the ICC CWC 2015 after finishing behind Ireland in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Championship, said: "Afghanistan have a rigorous schedule of training and fixtures in the lead-up to its maiden appearance at the ICC Cricket World Cup.  This will be the biggest event we have ever participated in, and the extra support from Dav Whatmore will be an excellent addition to our preparations."   

Craig Wright, who coached Scotland to victory at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier New Zealand 2014 to seal the third qualification spot at the ICC CWC 2015, and also captained Scotland in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007, said: "Scotland performed strongly under pressure to win the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier earlier this year, and with insight from someone as experienced as Dav, we have the opportunity over the coming months to not just keep up that momentum, but boost it even further."

Aqib Javed, a member of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 and also played in the 1996 tournament, and who coached the UAE to the final qualification spot with a second-place finish at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier New Zealand 2014, said: "We are very focused on our one-day preparations over the next 10 months, and the opportunity to work alongside Dav Whatmore as we fine-tune our programmes and training is very exciting for us."