Pakistan express interest in Whatmore

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is interested in snapping up Dav Whatmore as the next coach for their national team and is involved in discussions with him.

Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, told reporters in Islamabad that the board had been in contact with Whatmore for the post but that nothing had been finalised as of now. "The PCB is in contact with Whatmore. Our negotiations are continuing and whenever something is finalised, it will promptly be made public."

Ashraf added that Whatmore had talked to Pakistan officials and expressed interest in the post. Whatmore, who is due to end his tenure with Bangladesh after the current series against India, also acknowledged recently that the PCB had been in touch, though he stressed that it was a very preliminary contact.

Speaking to BBC, before the start of the India series, Whatmore said, "I have not been formally approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board. Somebody spoke to me on their behalf during the World Cup asking for my contact details but I have not heard from them since."

Pakistan have been looking for a new coach since the death of Bob Woolmer during the World Cup in March. They recently posted an ad on their site asking for applications for the coaching position to be sent in and are keen to have the new man in place by July 1st.

Pakistan were in contact with John Wright, the former India coach, last year though that situation has not developed any further at this point. Among local candidates, Aaqib Javed, the former Test fast bowler, is seen as a serious contender.