Aaqib Javed signs three-year contract as UAE coach

Islamabad, Mar 8 (ANI): Former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed has signed a three-year contract as head coach of United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Javed is poised to start his job from April 1.

Javed had emerged as a candidate for the position in February while he was still employed as bowling coach of Pakistan during their series against England in the UAE.

Dilawar Mani, the chief-executive officer of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), said the board wanted to wait till that series was over before announcing Javed as the UAE coach.

"The ECB is delighted with Aaqib's acceptance of its offer. He signed a standard contract of three years that can be extended by mutual agreement," the Daily Times quoted Mani, as saying.

"An earlier announcement would have been inappropriate due to Aaqib's key role as assistant and bowling coach of Pakistan, and would have caused a distraction from his primary responsibility He has played with distinction for Pakistan and performed most commendably as bowling coach. His contribution to Pakistan cricket has been most invaluable," he added.

Aaqib had been involved in coaching in Pakistan for a decade, having started at the Lahore Regional Academy and then moved on to stints as the Pakistan Under-19 coach and head coach at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. He had been involved with the Pakistan national team on-and-off since 2009, with stints as the bowling as well as assistant coach. (ANI)