Aqib Javed's steps down as UAE coach

Abu Dhabi - Emirates Cricket will announce the process for the recruitment of the Head Coach shortly

The UAE is on the right track to infuse young blood and the team will do well in future, according coach Aqib Javed, who on Wednesday resigned as the Emirates Cricket Head Coach.
Aqib, who took over as the coach in March 2012, helped the UAE qualify for the 2014 U19 World Cup, the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. Under his guidance, the UAE also gained T20I and ODI status, as well as the recent qualification to compete in the 2016 ACC Asia Cup. 
"When I joined Emirates Cricket Board, my target was to learn every the trick of the trade," Aqib told Khaleej Times after ECB made his resignation public on Wednesday. "It was a successful stint and I have achieved a lot in the UAE."
"It is the best place to learn as the team is multi-national which helps you hone your management skills," Aqib reckons.
"I would like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board, its CEO David East, and the extended team for an exciting and rewarding four years," Aqib said. 
"It has been a pleasure. We have experienced a very successful four years and I am very happy with the outcomes," he remarked.
The former Pakistani fast bowler added: "Since the board is planning to bring in full-time players, I believe the UAE cricket has a bright future.
"I had tough time while working with the part-time players," he pointed out.
"The game has changed a lot and professionalism is the need of the hour," he stressed. However, he added that the UAE was on the right track and brining in young blood would help them do well in future.
"I enjoyed every moment in the UAE and tried my best to lift the standard of the game. I was so busy with my work here that I went to Pakistan only once in four and a half years tenure." 
Aqib was keen to coach Pakistan team but the Pakistan Cricket Board is looking at an option of a foreign coach.
"They held talks with me about the job but now they have changed their mind and I wish them luck. A foreign coach might prove good for Pakistan team," the former Pakistani fast bowler said,
"Some of the guys (Mickey Arthur, Stuart Law, Peter Moore and Grant Flower) have already applied for the job with the PCB," he revealed.
"In my opinion, for me, there is nothing left to achieve with the UAE team, so I have decided to move on," he said, adding that he could be joining Pakistan Super League team Lahore Qalanders.
"They finished at the bottom team of table in the inaugural PSL. It will be a challenge for me to lift them up and I am ready for that."  
Paying tributes to Aqib's contribution to the UAE cricket, David East, the Emirates Cricket CEO, said: "Aqib has been a great influencer amongst the (UAE) players and coaching team during his four year tenure". 
"He had been integral to Emirates Cricket senior men's appearance on the international stage at four high profile ACC and ICC tournaments, as well as our senior men's securing ODI and T20I status," he added.
" We sincerely thank Aqib for his commitment and efforts and wish him the very best with his future endeavours."
Emirates Cricket will appoint Aqib's replacement swiftly. "We will shortly announce the process for the recruitment of the Head Coach, and subsequently appoint an assistant coach." added East.
Liaqat@khaleejtimes.com