KARACHI (AFP) – Pakistan on Friday appointed former player Abdul Raqeeb as cricket team manager for next month’s limited-over series against New Zealand.
He replaces Yawar Saeed, 74, who reportedly fell out with captain Younus Khan during the recent Champions Trophy in South Africa. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt denied any rift was behind the change.
“Saeed excused himself as he already told us that the Champions Trophy in South Africa would be his last tour as manager. We wanted him to continue for the New Zealand series but he has other commitments,” Butt told AFP.
Assistant manager Shafqat Rana was also removed, with former paceman Aaqib Javed reinstated as assistant after being dropped following defeats in Tests and a one-day series in Sri Lanka two months ago.
Media reported last week that Younus offered to remain captain as long as two officials were removed, one of them Rana.
Younus last week submitted his resignation over allegations of match-fixing against the team. The allegations were levelled over Pakistan’s defeats against Australia and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.
The 61-year-old Raqeeb, a former left-arm spinner who toured India without playing a Test in 1979, has previously managed junior and Pakistan “A” teams.
“My work is basically on the administration side and keeping discipline within the team will be my top priority,” Raqeeb said.
Pakistan will play three one-day internationals on November 3, 6 and 9 in Abu Dhabi, and two Twenty20 internationals in Dubai on November 12 and 13 in a series which was relocated to the United Arab Emirates over security fears.
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