I decided that I wasn’t mentally ready to be Pakistan’s head coach, admits Waqar Younis

When the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to scrap their entire coaching staff and appoint a fresh team post their disappointing World Cup campaign, several rumours had surfaced that the former captain Waqar was interested. In fact, as the interviews were going on, reports had emerged that Waqar was indeed one of the two favourites to land the role. However, in the end, it was Misbah who was appointed to take the seat at the helm with Waqar second-in-command as bowling coach. 

"I decided that I wasn't mentally ready to get back into the set-up [as head coach] so I applied for bowling coach. I think I have a very good chemistry with Misbah, I've got a very good understanding with him and it will help in the future. The PCB has given Misbah an opportunity and it's our responsibility to support and back him because he's a very honest man and passionate about the game,” Waqar was quoted saying by TimesNowNews.com. 

This will be the 5th time that the legendary speedster will serve the national team in some coaching capacity – two of which he served as head coach. However, Waqar does not think that his third time as bowling coach for Pakistan is not a ‘demotion’ in rank. Instead, the 47-year-old is solely focused on doing his job to improve an exciting bowling attack.

"My role is very simple and well-defined. I had done both the roles as a head coach and a bowling coach so I have an idea. The best thing is that I know about Misbah's mindset because whatever coaching I had done was with Misbah as the captain," he said.

"As far as thinking like it's a demotion, it's only a myth that you go up or down. Our goal is how to make Pakistan a better team. For me the exciting thing is to try and help some of the promising youngsters who are in the pipeline, and some more who will come in the near future too,” Waqar added.

The new coaching team will be facing their first assignment as the Sri Lankans pay a visit for a three-match ODI series, starting on September 27 in Karachi.