Legendary West Indian cricketer Sir Vivian Richards is keen to handle the coaching role of the Pakistan cricket team if the chance comes by. The highly regarded post is currently held by former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis.
Richards, who was also a part of Delhi Daredevils as team ambassador, is currently the mentor of Quetta Galdiators, one of the five franchises in the Pakistan Super League. Quetta have performed brilliantly, reaching the playoff stage of the competition as well.
The former aggressive batsman is aware of Younis being in charge of the team, but has made his interest known to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) if they are willing to take him on board. The PCB has appointed a number of foreign coaches in the past to look after the affairs of Pakistan cricket, including the late Bob Woolmer, Geoff Lawson and Dav Whatmore, who was the last foreigner to coach the Men in Green.
"Waqar Younis at present is doing a great job with the Pakistan team, but if given an opportunity to take up a coaching assignment with Pakistan cricket, I would definitely give it a shot as I believe I have a lot to offer to the game," Richards was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
The former batsman is also saddened that international cricket teams are not keen on touring Pakistan. After the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore, teams are not willing to travel to the country for cricket series, as a result of which Pakistan is forced to host their home series in neutral venues, primarily in the UAE. Zimbabwe remains the only country to have played in Pakistan after the terror attack.
Richards wants things to improve so cricket fans in Pakistan are not deprived of watching international stars. "Pakistan is an important member of the world cricket community, and it is sad to see no international cricket being played in Pakistan, and I just hope things improve soon," he said.
It seems the former West Indian cricketer wants to lead from the front. He is willing to travel to Pakistan and train cricketers in the country, which could help their game. With Richards having played a lot of cricket at the international level, he is one of the most respected cricketers, and his experience could surely help Pakistani cricket.
"Yes, he (Richards) has also told me he is willing to come to Pakistan and work in any capacity with cricketers. He has been a big influence on our players, who are in awe of him. I think hiring him as our mentor has been the best decision," Quetta Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar said.
