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Pybus appointed Pakistan coach

South African-based Richard Pybus has been appointed Pakistan cricket coach and will take over for the tour of Australia starting later this month, local media reported today.

The News said British-born Pybus would begin his job after a tri-nation limited overs tournament between Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies in Sharjah starting tomorrow.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced earlier this month that current coach and former Test batsman Wasim Raja would step down after the Sharjah tournament to continue his career as a teacher in Britain.

''Yes, I am being appointed intitially for a period of one year, and if the board thinks I have done enough to satisfy them, they could increase my tenure as coach,'' Pybus was quoted as saying.

Pybus had a short-term contract as assistant to Mushtaq Mohammad for the World Cup in England last May and June when Pakistan reached the final.

Raja replaced Mushtaq after the World Cup.

Pybus spoke out strongly in support of captain Wasim Akram after Pakistan came under fire from media and supporters after losing the Lord's final to Australia by eight wickets, having been bowled out for 132.

There has been no word on the date for releasing a long-waited report from a government-appointed judicial commission investigating corruption in Pakistan cricket.

Local newspapers said earlier this month the report, which has already been delayed many times, could be released by the end of October.

UNI