Speaking to PakPassion.net as part of his blog on the site, former Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Akram stated that the PCB needs to act fast and appoint Waqar Younis as the long term replacement for Intikhab Alam.

"Appointing Waqar as bowling and fielding coach for the Australia tour is a really good move by the Pakistan Cricket Board. As far as I am concerned Waqar should have been appointed as coach a long time ago" stated Akram.

Akram though feels that for the Pakistan team to benefit fully from Waqar's experience he needs more than one series as bowling coach. "Appointing someone for one series is simply not long enough, as the coach will need time to get to know all the players who he is going to be working with. At the end of the day every player is an individual and they are all different characters and learn at different speeds and in different ways. Waqar will need a bit of time before he can start to make a real difference" stated Akram.

Akram who has a number of years County experience behind him added "I've known Waqar for 15 years and he's a fantastic guy whose record speaks for itself. He's a former player who has performed at the highest level of all cricket, he's a cricketing legend and he'll be brilliant for the youngsters in the team to work with. Just having Waqar around them will benefit the boys and they will look up to him so much".

Akram a former cricket commentator himself added that commentating helps you see the game in a different way and this will benefit Waqar greatly. "Waqar has been commentating for quite a few years now and he will have seen the game in a different light. The commentary stints really do help you see areas of the game that you dont always appreciate as a player".

Akram further added "I know Waqar's previous stint ended in acrimonious circumstances but I've heard that was down to the financial package that was offered to him. I think the PCB needs to look at the packages that are offered to Pakistani coaches, as compared to foreign coaches that are asked to work with the Pakistan team. Give Waqar a long term deal, a good financial package and give him the respect and authority he deserves and then we will all see the progress and improvement of the Pakistan team".

Akram feels that the time is right to replace Intikhab and Aaqib and to bring in a batting coach alongside Waqar. "Aaqib was doing an excellent job at the NCA and I think the obvious move would be for him to go back to the Academy. I have a lot of respect for Aaqib and the work he has done at the Academy. I think Waqar should be appointed as the main coach. I have always felt that a Pakistani should be the preferred choice as a coach of the national team. I feel that a batting coach should be appointed alongside Waqar. As far as the batting coach is concerned, that can either be a Pakistani or a foreign coach, as long as he is prepared to work as part of a coaching team with Waqar.