Whatmore meetings with PCB positive

Dav Whatmore has said he had positive meetings with members of the Pakistan board in Lahore but there has been no definite decision taken yet on whether or not he will be the new Pakistan coach. Whatmore, who has previously coached Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, had discussions with the panel the PCB appointed to select a coach and the Pakistan selectors, and also had a courtesy meeting with PCB chief Zaka Ashraf.

"We had some good discussions," Whatmore said. "A decision either way will be made later in the month. It's a case of whether both parties can see a way forward."

While Whatmore and the PCB both maintained no appointment had been made, Whatmore said coaching Pakistan would be an opportunity he would relish. "If I do get the job it will be another challenge in my career," he said. "Pakistan have the potential to be a pretty decent team. They've done well in recent times. If I am with the team every effort will be directed towards ensuring the team is super-competitive."

The PCB, in a statement, said Whatmore had told chairman Ashraf that "Pakistan possesses lots of cricketing talent and the team has the ability to beat any opposition".

Pakistan, under interim coach Mohsin Khan, are set to take on England tomorrow in the first of three Test matches in the UAE. Whatmore said it would be a tough challenge for the team. "England are the No. 1 team in the world, so it won't be easy. But I am sure Pakistan will be prepared."

Pakistan have been without a permanent coach since Waqar Younis resigned after the tour of Zimbabwe in September.