Rhodes agrees to be Pakistan's fielding coach

Jonty Rhodes, former South African player, has agreed to accept a two weeks coaching assignment with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) before taking charge as South Africa's fielding coach on a full time basis.

"Soon after my two-week stint as a fielding coach with the Pakistan team I will take over as the fielding coach of the South African team till the 2007 World Cup," Rhodes, who was in Dubai to conduct a coaching clinic last week, told Gulf News.

"I just went home for a day and had talks with the South African board. Both my assignments are getting finalised. The board has no objection to my proposed assignment with Pakistan as it is only for two weeks.

"I am to be assigned as the fielding coach of the South African for the Champions Trophy. I am likely to be involved in the India-Pakistan-South Africa triangular one-day series too." Shaharyar Khan, the chairman of the PCB, had earlier defended the short-term appointment, arguing that Rhodes' role is part of a broader change the PCB is trying to bring about.