Sir Vivian Richards, the former West Indian batting maestro, has expressed his desire to assist Pakistan in their World T20 campaign
Viv Richards interested in Pakistan coaching role
Sir Vivian Richards has offered his coaching services to the Pakistan cricket team for next month’s World Twenty20 in India.
The West Indian cricket legend says that he would be interested helping Pakistan, who are currently coached by former fast bowler Waqar Younis, as a batting consultant for the tournament.
"Waqar Younis at present is doing a great job with the Pakistan team," Richards told the Indian Express.
"But if given an opportunity to take up a coaching assignment with Pakistan cricket, I would definitely give it a shot as I believe I have a lot to offer to the game."
Richards, considered one of the greatest batsman international cricket has seen, is currently in Dubai as a team mentor for the Quetta Gladiators in the inaugural Pakistan Super League.
While media duties would preclude him from taking on a larger role with the Pakistan team, a Pakistan Cricket Board official has confirmed that they are indeed seeking Richard’s services for the World T20.
"We are in talks with Sir Viv Richards to take on the role of batting consultant for the World Twenty20," an anonymous PCB official told Pakistani newspaper Dawn.
A highly sought after figure in international cricket, the 63-year-old was previously a team mentor with the Melbourne Stars in the KFC Big Bash League.
Quetta, who have Stars’ internationals Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright on their playing roster, have a date with Brad Hodge’s Peshawar Zalmi in tonight’s qualifying final, with the winner to proceed straight through to the PSL final.
Islamabad United, featuring former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, will take on Karachi in a knock-out final.