KARACHI: Mohsin Hasan Khan, a candidate for the post of Pakistan cricket team’s head coach, on Wednesday said that he would not appear for an interview before the Pakistan Cricket Board-appointed panel members Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja. Mohsin said while he was interested in becoming the new coach of the national team, he would not appear for any interviews with Akram and Ramiz.
“If and when I do apply for the post I will do it directly to the PCB Chairman. I will not agree to any interviews with Wasim and Ramiz who are juniors to me in Pakistan cricket,” he said. Mohsin said that he had played for Pakistan with dignity and honour and served the country. “I have also coached the national team successfully in the recent past. So I see no reason for me as a matter of principle to prove my credentials to players who started their careers towards the end of mine,” he added.
Mohsin, who played 48 Tests and 75 ODIs, was chief coach in 2011-2012 and secured series wins over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and England before the PCB replaced him with Australian Dav Whatmore. “The Board treated me unjustly then and removed me without giving any justifiable reason. I had done well as chief coach and I got along well with the players. There was no reason to remove me,” he said. Mohsin said he was confident he could help in turning around the fortunes of the team if given another chance. The PCB has invited interested candidates to apply for the position by April 25 after which a committee which has Wasim and Ramiz will help the PCB select the best candidate. “I would advise the PCB to stop looking at foreign coaches and repose faith in their local coaches,” Mohsin added.