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Pakistan look set to appoint Pybus coach

Richard Pybus, born in England and based in South Africa, looks set to be Pakistan coach for their forthcoming tour of Australia, local media reported today.

Pakistan need a new coach after the resignation of former Test batsman Wasim Raja on Monday, and local media said Pybus would arrive later this week to sign a contract.

Pybus had a short-term contract as assistant to Mushtaq Mohammad for the World Cup in England last May and June when Pakistan reached the final.

Pybus spoke out strongly in support of captain Wasim Akram after Pakistan came under fire from media and fans for their performance in the Lord's final, which they lost to Australia by eight wickets after being bowled out for 132.

The news said Pybus had ''finalised his terms and conditions'' with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and would travel to Lahore ''after which the official announcement would be made''.

It said Pybus would take over for the Australian tour starting at the end of the month, though Raja would coach at a three-team tournament with Sri Llanka and West Indies in Sharjah from October 13-22.

Raja, who played 57 Tests, is stepping down to continue his career as a teacher in Britain, the PCB said. He was appointed when Mushtaq's assignment ended after the World Cup.

Pakistan are expected to name their squad for Sharjah tomorrow and for Australia on October 17.

Local newspapers also said a long-awaited report from a government-appointed judicial commission investigating corruption in Pakistan cricket could be released this month.

The commission has been holding hearings since September last year and its report has already been delayed many times.

UNI