Waqar Younis regrets resigning from Pakistan coach's post

KARACHI: Pakistan's former head coach Waqar Younis regrets about resigning as the national team coach with "unfinished business" and misses coaching the national team.

Waqar was forced to step down in April after a row with the Pakistan Cricket Board over the leakage of his confidential report on the team performances in the Asia Cup and World T20 which also led to his ouster. The PCB has now appointed Arthur on a two-year contract.

Waqar, 44, admitted he misses working with Pakistan, as he wanted to help the national team compete with top teams of the world.

"Any player, who has served the country for 10 years or more wants to see the team do well and not stay behind the rest of the world," the former Test captain told the 'Express Tribune' newspaper.

"A lot was being said about me when I took the job, but I wanted to serve Pakistan after receiving so much from the country. I could have taken up other big offers, but I chose to serve here."

"There was some unfinished business and I will hopefully comeback to Pakistan cricket one day to complete it."

Waqar also stepped down himself during his first tenure as Pakistan coach in 2010-2011.

Waqar also welcomed his successor's wish to interact with him before the tour of England begins, stating he is just a call away if Arthur needs his help.

"The tour of England isn't going to be easy for sure, but self-belief of achieving something in testing conditions can do wonders. It would have been a challenging task for me and it would be the same for Arthur.

"If he wants to speak to me, I'm always available and my phone is always open for his calls. I can help him gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the players, their good points and bad, the dealings of the board with the team and team management etc."

"Arthur has coached around the world so the required experience is there, but again it all comes down to how players respond to a coach's or captain's call," he added.

Reflecting on the team's chances in the Test series against England, he said Pakistan can trouble England especially with their bowling line-up.

"I feel Pakistan's bowling would be a threat even in English conditions with Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz and others in the pace attack. And if Yasir Shah starts landing his ball in the right areas, the hosts will face some serious problems," he said.