Moin Khan emerges as favourite to take over as Pak coach following Whatmore's exit

Former Pakistani captain Moin Khan has reportedly emerged as a favourite to take over as head coach of the Pakistani team with current coach Dav Whatmore set to depart after the ongoing home series against Sri Lanka in the UAE.

Whatmore, who remained under criticism throughout his two-year stay, said he was not willing to continue after his contract expires in February next year and after he leaves, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) needs to find a new coach before the Asia Cup, starting from February next year and the World Twenty20, starting on March.

According to the Express Tribune, although the PCB has not initiated the process to find a new coach due to the prevailing legal matters, however, an official revealed that options are being considered behind the scenes with Khan being the favourite from the list of contenders.

The official further said that Khan's vast international experience and the ongoing stint as the team's manager is a big plus, adding that Khan is well aware of the team's affairs as he has been associated with the squad for the past few series and the players are also comfortable with him.

However, the official mentioned that if Khan was made the head coach, his appointment would likely be temporary, adding that he might be only given the task of the Asia Cup and World T20.

Speculations are doing the rounds for former captain Waqar Younus, who served as the Pakistan head coach in 2010 and 2011, is a strong contender to fill the position as a permanent coach, the report added.