Kabir resigns as Afghanistan coach

Afghanistan cricket today suffered a major blow just a few months before their participation in their first ever 50-over World Cup as long serving coach Kabir Khan stepped down due to differences with the country's Board.
Kabir, 40, confirmed today that he had stepped down as head coach and Afghanistan Cricket Board has accepted his resignation even though a few months of his three-year contract still remained.
"I resigned because I was not enjoying the job due to the travelling involved between Pakistan and Afghanistan and on tours. I was unable to give any time to my family who suffered because of this," Kabir told PTI over telephone from Peshawar.

Kabir, who has been associated with the Afghanistan team since 2007, had earlier resigned in 2010 due to differences with the ACB but returned as coach in December 2011 after a stint as head coach of United Arab Emirates.
In his absence, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif became coach of the Afghanistan team and led them to silver medal in 2010 Asian Games but he also stepped down soon after due to interference in selection matters from the ACB.
Kabir, however, denied he had any issues with ACB

"There was no interference, I was not enjoying the work because I wanted to give more time to my family," he said.

But sources close to the former Pakistan Test bowler said that he had become disillusioned due to increased interference by Afghan cricket officials and due to the importance being given to New Zealander Andy Moles, who is the batting coach.
Moles is expected to take over from Kabir as head coach.
The sources said Kabir had problems with the officials over selection of some players. He wanted few changes for the World Cup but could not get this done and so he was disappointed and stepped down.
Kabir, who played four Tests and 10 one-dayers for Pakistan, had a long serving relationship with Afghan cricket and took the team to new heights.

During his two tenures, Afghanistan earned ODI status from the ICC and thrice also qualified for World T20 events. He also helped them qualify for their first ever 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.