Waqar offers to quit over WT20 debacle

Pakistan’s coach begs forgiveness from nation

following team’s early exit from the championship

NEW DELHI: Following Pakistan’s humiliating exit from the World Twenty20 championship last Friday, Waqar Younis declared that he will take a decision on his position as the team’s coach after returning home.

Many thought that the former Pakistan Test pacer will quit in the wake of his team’s disastrous performance in the championship.

However on Tuesday, Waqar fell short of announcing his resignation and instead begged forgiveness from the nation.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Waqar did say that he was prepared to resign because of Pakistan’s pathetic showing.

The 2009 World Twenty20 champions have been widely blasted by fans following a lacklustre performance with just one victory against lowly ranked Bangladesh and big losses to India, New Zealand and Australia.

Pakistani players were jeered on their return this weekend by huge crowds at Lahore airport, who chanted “Shame! Shame!”

“I place my hands together and beg forgiveness from the nation.”

Waqar, who was hired as head coach for a second time in 2014 and whose contract is due to expire in May, added that he was prepared to stand down if it was in the team’s best interest, but stopped short of offering his resignation.

“If my leaving makes things better, then I would do it without delay,” he said.

The 44-year-old former Waqar is in his second spell as Pakistan coach, having first held the job between March 2010 and August 2011.

He also echoed calls made last week for a revamp of the country’s domestic structure, and added that the malaise stemmed from Pakistan’s lack of home games since 2009 militant attacks on the Sri Lankan team.

“When there is no cricket at home then the foundation will for sure become weak,” he said.

Pakistan’s early exit prompted a wave of criticism in the cricket mad country, with veterans like Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik singled out in particular.

The team, captained by Afridi, beat Bangladesh, but lost to New Zealand, Australia and arch-rivals India. Afridi is expected to make a decision about his future very soon.