Former skipper Saleem Malik, who was banned by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in 2000, has moved his application to the Board for the prestigious slot of batting coach of Pakistan cricket team. Malik was banned by PCB after a judicial inquiry conducted by Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum of Lahore High Court found him guilty of offering bribes to Australian players to lose match.
Malik said he has applied for the job of batting coach and insisted he is not barred after a court lifted his life ban four years ago. It may be noted that the PCB has placed an advertisement seeking a batting coach in a bid to boost an area of the side's game that has let it down in major events including recently held Twenty20 World Cup.
PCB has invited applications from candidates with a Level III coaching qualification and five years experience. The last date for submission of applications is November 4. Malik who scored 5,768 runs in 103 Tests and 7,170 runs in 283 One-day internationals matches before his ouster said he could help improve Pakistan's batting.
Saleem told reporters that he was cleared by ICC and PCB and lifted life ban four years ago by a court. He added he can now be free to join in any cricket related activity. When asked that he does not have a level III coaching qualification, he said a Test cricketer like him doesn't need any coaching course or any certificate. He said, "I have ability to coach the batsmen."
Sources in the PCB told Business Recorder that Saleem Malik does not possesses a Level III coaching qualification, hence, he is not eligible to apply for the slot of batting coach. It is obvious that Malik application would be turned down. In March, Pakistan hired former Australian batsman Dav Whatmore as their head coach before adding Englishman Julien Fountain as fielding coach and former paceman Mohammad Akram as bowling coach.