By IANS,
Chandigarh : After the news of Intikhab Alam becoming Pakistan coach broke out Saturday, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) here has started looking for another coach for the state’s cricket team. But former players feel there is no need for a foreign coach.
“PCA had sent an invitation to Alam to coach this season but he could not come due to some reasons. However, we respect his national obligations,” G.S. Walia, joint secretary of the PCA told IANS.
Walia said that the PCA will meet soon to zero in on a new name. The speculation is rife that once again the selection committee would appoint a foreign coach but veteran cricketers are not in favour of that.
Alam worked with Punjab cricket team during the 2004-05 and 2005-2006 season. He guided the team to the Ranji finals in 2004-05 tournament.
“The players who are playing in Ranji matches are mature enough to take care of their game and there is no need to train them. We just need good administrators who can manage the team well,” said former Ranji player Rakesh Jolly.
“Hiring a foreign coach is quite irrational and illogical. As many times, a foreign national takes long time to settle in the new conditions and with the new system. There are problems of language and our local boys do not feel comfortable in his company,” he added.
Chandigarh Cricket Association (CCA) secreatray Mohinder Singh said: “There are many veteran players in Punjab who possess the caliber to train our young players.”
He added, “We have to break the taboo of superiority of foreign coaches as Indian coaches are undoubtedly second to none. Just see the work of Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh performance with the national team.”
Punjab was the first state in the country to appoint a foreign coach in Intikhab Alam in 2004-05.