Pybus appointed coach

Richard Pybus was appointed Pakistan coach until the tri-nation series in early November, a spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said. The England-born South Africa based Pybus will arrive in city on Sunday after agreeing to accept a three-month contract.

The spokesman said Pybus' future would be discussed during his tenure. After the Sharjah tournament, Pakistan is to tour Bangladesh for two Tests before hosting the West Indies for a three-Test series, including a proposed quadrangular tournament also involving India and Zimbabwe. In addition to this, Pakistan will also complete its Asian Test Championship matches against Sri Lanka and the final, if it qualifies.

The spokesman dispelled impressions that the 41-year-old was the only option left with Pakistan after he was chased to take over the assignment despite initially declining the offer because of domestic reasons.

"Naturally, Pybus has had a close look at Pakistan players in England. We approached several other foreigners but Pybus was preferred because he will not have to start from scratch," the spokesman said.

Pybus, a trainer with a South African state team, was introduced as assistant coach in the 1999 World Cup before he was elevated to the post of coach for the tour to Australia. He was reappointed coach for the England tour after Javed Miandad was sacked in the wake of poor results. Pakistan has had nine coaches and seven captains in the last four years.