PCB planning to rope in Kumar Sangakkara as the mentor of the team

The Pakistan Cricket Board, after failing to sign on West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards is now considering roping in Kumar Sangakkara to work as the mentor of the team for the upcoming World T20 in India.

“We are now considering the name of Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara to work as mentor of the team but nothing is final yet as we have to first see how much benefit our team can derive from his presence,” said Shaharyar, while addressing the media.

The Pakistan Cricket Board was in talks with the West Indian legend after he expressed his in interest in coaching the team. PCB chairman Shahryar Khan told the media that negotiations with Richards had been wrapped up as the two parties could not agree on financial details and the West Indian legend also had prior commitments. Richards was the mentor of Quetta Gladiators while Sangakkara played for the team in which finished as the runner-up of the tournament.

Moreover, he added that Sangakkara’s presence in the inaugural Pakistan Super League had left many a player inspired.

“He is under consideration for sure and we will decide soon what to do as I am going to Bangladesh for the Pakistan and India match on Saturday,” he added.

Shaharyar added that Sangakkara’s own interest would also be taken into account because the PCB is offering him a short-term assignment with the team.

Shaharyar also confirmed that former Pakistan all-rounder, Azhar Mahmood, had been appointed bowling coach of the team for the Asia Cup and World T20.

“Azhar will join the team in Dhaka on Thursday while Mushtaq Ahmed, who was bowling coach till now, has returned to the national cricket academy in Lahore,” he added.

He also made it clear that head coach Waqar Younis will continue to work until the tour of England in July and August.

“After that tour we will decide and discuss whether his contract is to be extended,” he added.