Sharjah: Former Pakistan Test star Aqib Javed has been named as the new coach of the UAE national team.
Dilawar Mani, the ICC Chief Executive, told Gulf News during the Pakistan against England series in the UAE that Javed was one of many candidates being considered for the job.
But the Emirates Cricket Board has now confirmed that Javed, who played in 22 Tests and 163 One Day Internationals, will start on April 1.
"Speculation regarding the appointment of Javed as the UAE coach has been circulating amongst the media, but the Emirates Cricket Board was not in a position to confirm the news as we wanted the Pakistan-England series to culminate," said ECB administrator Mazhar Khan.
"We felt an earlier announcement would have been inappropriate due to Aqib's key role as assistant and bowling coach with the Pakistan squad and would have resulted in creating a distraction of focus from his primary responsibility."
Javed, who was at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium watching the UAE against Scotland yesterday, said: "I am totally committed to grooming the UAE squad.
"We have an upcoming tour to Netherlands in July and then the ACC tournament in October. There are several other tournaments being planned, including a tour to Pakistan later in the year."
Javed, who once took a hat-trick at Sharjah, added: "I shall dedicate myself to producing results and nurturing the talent in the UAE.
"I shall work closely with the ECB management to strategise the planning process to groom talent and for the creation of a high-class squad which will be second to none."
Delighted
The ECB's Khan said: "We are delighted at Aqib's acceptance of the offer.
"He is one of the highest profile coaches to be signed by ECB.
"He has played with distinction for Pakistan and performed most commendably as bowling coach. His contribution to Pakistan cricket has been most invaluable.
"All his performance statistics are public knowledge and his work as bowling coach in recent years has been evident with the plethora of high talent emerging to represent Pakistan at the highest level.
"His achievements with the U15 and U19 are also well documented.
"The coach plays a lead role in motivating the squad, strategising tactics, attending to training and fitness drills. The ECB no doubt hopes that Aaqib will assist the UAE in regaining its past glory."
