Chappell rules out Pakistan coaching job

Former Australian cricket captain Greg Chappell said on Thursday he would be unavailable to coach Pakistan even if he were offered the job.

The Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Wednesday it had begun its search for the country's first foreign coach, a day after sacking Javed Miandad.

"We are considering Barry Richards (from South Africa) and Greg Chappell and we are trying to contact them, but nothing has been finalised yet," PCB chairman Tauqir Zia said.

"When we talk of a qualified coach to effect good results, why not bring (in) a foreigner."

Chappell said: "Due to my commitment to the South Australian Cricket Association and other commitments, I would be unavailable for the position even if it was offered to me."

Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott, who spent 12 days coaching at the Pakistan National Cricket Academy in Lahore in February, is also a candidate to replace Miandad.

The precedent of Bob Woolmer (England), Duncan Fletcher (Zimbabwe), Dav Whatmore (Australia) and John Wright (New Zealand) taking over at South Africa, England, Sri Lanka and India respectively, has inspired the PCB's decision to hire a foreign coach.

Pakistan play two Tests in England in May and June, then take part in a tri-nations limited overs series against England and Australia.

The PCB said it had sacked Miandad because he was needed to look after day-to-day affairs at the board's headquarters in Lahore.

Trevor Chappell, younger brother of Ian and Greg, is the new coach of Bangladesh.

Mail Cricket Editor