Anwar declines chairman of selectors role

Saeed Anwar, the former Pakistan opener, has turned down an offer to become the chairman of selectors of the national team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board offered Anwar the role after Iqbal Qasim's resignation earlier this month, in the aftermath of the team's recent tour of Australia where they were whitewashed in all formats of the game. "I was offered the post of chairman of selectors, but I told the PCB chairman that I could not take up the job as I don't think I would be able to do justice to the position," Anwar said.

Anwar, however, was keen on taking up the role of batting consultant. "But I have told him that I do want to help the Pakistan team and I can do this as a batting consultant. I am due to meet the PCB chairman [Ijaz Butt] next month and he will tell me in what way I can play a positive role with the Pakistan team."

This is not the first time Anwar's name has been linked with a coaching role for Pakistan. In December, he had reportedly spoken of discussions with Butt, over conducting a coaching camp for the team's batsmen. However, the report was denied by Butt in January.

Anwar also expressed his support for Waqar Younis to coach the team. "I think it would be a great move because Waqar is well respected and has impressive cricketing background and knowledge of modern day requirements," he said.

Waqar has emerged as the front-runner to take over the coaching responsibilities, but the PCB is yet to make a final decision.