Sri Lanka great Chaminda Vaas eyes vacant UAE head coach role

Days ahead of the two countries meeting in a crucial World Cup qualifying fixture, a Sri Lanka great has emerged as a candidate to fill the vacant UAE head coach role.

Chaminda Vaas, the World Cup-winning former left-arm seam bowler, is among those who have applied to be considered for the vacancy.

The UAE face Sri Lanka in their opening match at the Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Bulawayo on Monday.

The competition, which carries with it the final two places at the main event in India later this year, is set to be Mudassar Nazar’s final assignment in interim charge.

The former Pakistan all-rounder stepped in from his role in charge of the country’s age-group cricket to fill the breach after the departure of Robin Singh in March.

The Emirates Cricket Board have advertised the position with a deadline for applications of June 26, which is the day before the UAE’s final first-round match at the Qualifier.

Vaas, who is presently coaching at a T20 franchise tournament in India, is hopeful he will be considered for the full-time job in UAE and believes he could make a difference.

“I’ve been following the UAE’s fortunes recently and they have a very good team with a good blend of youngsters,” Vaas told The National.

“They have a well-balanced side. I feel they need someone to motivate them to get to the next level.

“Some of the players are very talented and very capable of competing with players from any other countries.”

Chaminda Vaas is Sri Lanka's most successful pace bowler, having taken 355 Test wickets in 111 Tests. AFP

The UAE have been coached by a World Cup-winning former swing bowler before. Aaqib Javed, who was a winner with Pakistan in 1992, had a successful four-year stint in charge before leaving to join Lahore