Agencies/Lahore

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi has confirmed former fast bowler Waqar Younis has been offered a two-year contract as head coach. Former wicketkeeper-batsman Moin Khan coached the national team on an interim basis at the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, after Australian Dav Whatmore’s tenure was not extended earlier this year.
“I put the matter before our managing committee and they chose the option led by Moin Khan which Wasim Akram had listed at number one. Not everyone was happy with the decision, but we let it go because there was no time to constitute a new committee and come up with different choices,” said Sethi.
“It was never a Moin or Waqar option for us as formulated by Akram. The new formula has both former players in a format that we think will produce better results. That’s why I have now given them two-year contracts - like Dav Whatmore earlier.”
The 42-year-old Younis, who held the head coach position in 2010 and 2011, has not confirmed if the PCB’s latest offer has been accepted. Khan, meanwhile, is likely to be retained as team manager - and continue as chief selector.
“As I am in Lahore I just met the PCB chairman to express my availability as head coach for the Pakistan team, for which I have already submitted an application. And I would like to express that I have no differences with Moin Khan or any player,” added Younis.

Hales makes county loan move
Worcestershire have signed England Twenty20 opening batsman Alex Hales on loan from Nottinghamshire as cover for Moeen Ali ahead of his upcoming absence on England duty.
Ali, a top-order batsman and off-spinner, has retained his place in England’s squad for next week’s one-day international against Scotland in Aberdeen and Worcestershire have responded by bringing in Hales from Midlands rivals Nottinghamshire where he is currently surplus to requirements in four-day County Championship cricket.
The 25-year-old averaged just 13.94 in 10 Championship appearances last season, with only two half-centuries, while he made 61 and a duck against Lancashire earlier this season. Hales is set to make his debut against Glamorgan this Sunday.
His availability to face Essex from May 18 will depend on England commitments but he should be free to play in the Championship games against Kent from May 25 and Surrey the following week.
England are set to play Sri Lanka in five ODIs and one Twenty20 international between May 20 and June 3.

Trott return not imminent
England batsman Jonathan Trott is making “encouraging” progress - but isn’t likely to return to first-class cricket this month.
Trott left the tour of Australia after the first Test late last year due to a stress-related illness - and recently attempted a comeback for Warwickshire in the County Championship. The 33-year-old Trott, however, only managed one appearance - against Derbyshire - before opting to sideline himself again.
While steady innings of 36 and 27 promised plenty, the batsman certainly won’t be available for the Test series against Sri Lanka in June.
“We had a good chat and we know where he is at and all I can say is what we spoke about is very encouraging,” said Warwickshire coach Dougie Brown. “Let’s just see where he is at.
“He is dealing with something that has been ongoing for a while and the last thing I want just because he is back in the dressing room is it turning into a circus. I would really like it to be understated, for him to do what he needs to do to get back into cricket and for people to leave him to do that.”