By: Aslam Chandio from Islamabad, Pakistan
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday gave a very warm sendoff to coach Dav Whatmore and fielding coach Julien Fountain. Both Whatmore and Fountain reached the end of their two years contracted tenure at the end of Pakistan’s series versus Sri Lanka in the UAE.
The entire hierarchy of the PCB – Chairman, Ch Zaka Ashraf, COO, Subhan Ahmed, Director General Javed Miandad and Directors Zakir Khan and Brig. Sajid Hameed and others were present on the occasion.
The Chairman PCB lauded the duo’s contribution to Pakistan cricket. “It was a difficult time for Pakistan cricket. There have been no home series owing to circumstances beyond the PCB’s control. Still the performance of the team mostly reflected an upward curve. The skill-set of the players as well as temperament and mental strength also considerably improved during this period. Both Dav and Julien definitely made a difference here. We wish Dav and Julien all the success in the world in their professional careers”, said Ch. Zaka Ashraf.
Dav Whatmore said, “I am really happy to be leaving on a victorious note. The boys presented me with the perfect parting gift by beating Sri Lanka in what was one of the most spectacular Test victories ever. This definitely was a high point in my coaching career. With Pakistan in the last two years, we won big on quite a few times. The Asia Cup triumph and the series wins against India early last year and recently against South Africa in a bilateral one-day rubber for the first time were other performances that rank high. I am grateful to the PCB, its Chairman, COO, Directors, Media Department and everybody else for supporting me. I cannot forget to thank the cricket fans of Pakistan who supported us through our highs and our lows. I had a great time in Pakistan and I hope to return here in one capacity or another sooner than later.”
Julien Fountain also thanked the PCB and its management. “Personally and professionally it was a very fulfilling assignment. There was discernible improvement in Team Pakistan’s all-round fielding. I passed on whatever nuances I could to my fellow coaches as well, and most importantly at a very broad level to the boys and coaches at the National Cricket Academy as well as other academies. ,” said Julien Fountain.
Both Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain were most profuse in praising the Pakistani people, their warmth and hospitality and also thanked the fans for their continuous support.
Aslam Chandio is an Islamabad based journalist. He tweets at @aslamchandio_