Pakistan cricket chiefs on Tuesday appointed fast bowling legend Waqar Younis for a second spell as national head coach.
The 42-year-old had been tipped as favourite to take over the role vacated by Australian coach Dav Whatmore, whose contract expired in March.
Former wicketkeeper Moin Khan, who filled in as interim coach, guided Pakistan to the Asia Cup final but a poor performance in the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh meant his contract was not extended.
Waqar, currently in India, said: “I am extremely pleased to have been selected as the head coach.
“My immediate aim would be to prepare the team for the upcoming busy cricket season including the next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.”
Waqar returns to the job he held from February 2010 to September 2011, during which time he led Pakistan to the 2011 World Cup semi-final.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said a three-member committee including Khan had “unanimously recommended” Waqar for the job, a decision endorsed by the board chairman Najam Sethi.
The PCB has also advertised for fielding and batting coaches and a spin bowling consultant as they seek to build towards the World Cup.
