Three months not enough, says coach

Newly appointed Pakistan coach Mudassar Nazar Thursday said three months was not sufficient time to prove his credentials but still vowed to prove that he was the right choice.

"It's difficult to prove anything in three months. Not me but any sane person will say that. But I have no problems if the PCB has appointed me for a short period," Mudassar told Dawn from Lahore, adding: "It doesn't hurt me that I am a makeshift arrangement but I am apprehensive.

"I think it is asking for too much to deliver in such a short period. But I am not shying away. "I am confident and determined to prove that I have the credentials to look after the team on professional grounds," he said. He said he hasn't heard anything official from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about his appointment, while admitting that his consent was sought Wednesday.

"I haven't had a chance to talk to the PCB chairman because of his hectic schedule. But I would like to see him Friday in which I would discuss several issues relating to my assignment. "Naturally, I would also like to know the financial package though the PCB is not bound to pay me for my national team's coaching services since I am contractually bound to serve them in any capacity until January.

"With the National Cricket Academy not operating as the players are busy in Under-19 championships, I am currently working as an analyst," the former Test allrounder said. However, he minced no words that his earnings in England were more than what he was getting here. "It's just the love of cricket and country that forced me to take a break from his business in England and take up the chief coach's job at the academy."

Mudassar said he was a firm believer of the theory that a coach should be appointed on a long term basis and the coach and the players need some time to understand and develop an equation before getting down to real business.

"The coach needs time to pick the faults of the players and identify areas in which he needs to work harder. Similarly, the players also require time to adjust to the new coach knowing that they will be working with him for a long time. Constant changes in the coach also upset the boys," he said.

Mudassar, who was the first Pakistanis to complete 100 wickets in one-day internationals, hoped that he would have more say in selectorial matters.

He said: "I will prefer that I have some influence in selection. Naturally, the selection committee is the supreme body but I would like if my consent is also taken. I am looking forward to have a sitting with Waqar Younis to discuss about the players and Sharjah requirements."

Mudassar said he prime objective would be to create unity and harmony in the team, saying: "We also had personality clashes and differences when Imran Khan was the captain. But in the field, we all played for Pakistan and the results are before everyone. "I would like to see that in the present team. I want to see it winning at home and abroad whether I am the coach or not."