Pybus contacted for short-term contract

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) authorities are still trying to persuade Richard Pybus to change his mind and resume his duties as coach of the team for the forthcoming season.

Skipper Waqar Younis told reporters that he had convinced the PCB officials to get in touch with the England-born South Africabased coach as he was the right choice. Although no official of the PCB was available to confirm or deny the story, sources said the PCB has offered Pybus a short-term contract. "He has been offered a threemonth contract until the tri-nation one-day tournament in Sharjah in November," sources said.

The sources added that Pybus has not spurned the offer and has instead asked for a week's time before he conveys his decision. Pybus, last month had declined to continue as coach because of domestic commitments.

Waqar was all praise for the South African who made his name in Pakistan cricket in 1999 before being reappointed for the tour to England. "I find him an excellent coach. He has a good communication with the players and has the quality to back and support the players," Waqar said.

"The team needs a good strategist and someone who can motivate them instead of teaching them the basics of the game. Pybus has all these qualities," Waqar said. Waqar added that it would be difficult for him to start off from square one with a new coach at a time when a tough season lay ahead.

He urged the PCB to make a quick decision on the coach so that the training camp can be streamlined. Several of the former overseas cricketers have snubbed Pakistan's lucrative coaching offers, chiefly because of the inconsistency. Pakistan has had nine coaches and seven captains since 1997.