Pakistan look to break coaching jinx

KARACHI, Aug 5 (AFP): If any further proof were needed of the chaos prevailing in Pakistani cricket, the 27th change of coach since the country's sole World Cup win in 1992 provides it.
Pakistan's series against Sri Lanka, which begins Wednesday at Galle with the first of two Test matches, sees legendary fast-bowler Waqar Younis return as coach three years after his last stint.
Compared to Pakistan's 27 changes since 1992, India have had 10 coaches, England nine and Australia just seven.
Critics regularly blast the constant changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board-with its recent revolving door for the post of chairman and regular allegations of nepotism in team selection-for holding the country back.
Younis's first shot as coach came from March 2010 to August 2011, and was relatively successful-with Pakistan reaching a World Cup semi-final and beating Australia in a Test for the first time since 1995 -- but ended in an acrimonious disagreement over pay.
He has now been handed a two-year contract, but his tenure will largely depend on how Pakistan fare in the 2015 World Cup.
Even a World Cup victory is no guarantee of keeping the job-as ex-coach Intikhab Alam, removed within a year of leading the team to their 1992 triumph, well knows.
Pakistan's coaches have often faced the sack over routine defeats, where in other countries they might have been given an extended run.
Alam has remained the most favoured coach, with five stints at the helm. He was also once employed by India's Punjab team-the only man from either country to coach in their arch-rival's territory.
Known for his unassuming style, he famously took the back seat during the 1992 triumph, allowing authoritative captain Imran Khan to run the show.
He also has the unwelcome distinction of being sacked midway through a series, after Pakistan trailed 2-0 in a three-match series against Sri Lanka in 1995.