UAE says Pak bowling coach Aqib Javed 'prime choice' for team's head coach

Dubai, Feb 11 (ANI): The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has termed Pakistan's bowling coach Aqib Javed its 'prime' choice as the UAE team's head coach.

The ECB is reportedly seeking a replacement for Kabir Khan after the former Pakistan fast-bowler left his post to re-join the Afghanistan team.

The ECB said that the process to appoint Aqib, also a former Pakistan fast-bowler, was underway.

"We need Kabir's replacement. We received many applications for the post but Aqib is a prime choice and we are looking forward to appointing him as coach," The Express Tribune quoted ECB Chief Executive Officer Dilawar Mani, as saying.

Aqib, who was left out of the touring party for the Zimbabwe tour as well as the series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh that followed, was re-appointed prior to the England series on a permanent basis by the coach-hunting committee that was led by Intikhab Alam.

The former fast-bowler, who played 163 One-Day Internationals and 22 Tests, also worked as Pakistan's bowling coach during Waqar Younis' tenure as head coach. The 39-year-old was also involved in other coaching roles including stints with the Lahore Regional Academy, the Pakistan under-19 team as well as the head coach at the National Cricket Academy.

Mani said Aqib's qualifications make him the ECB's first choice.He has strong credentials as coach and a vast international experience. We are yet to hear from Aqib and the PCB." (ANI)