Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf said on Tuesday that he will finalize the name of Dav Whatmore as Pakistan team chief coach in consultations with the appointed committee. He however gave indications that Whatmore was among the strong contenders to be appointed as Pakistan team coach.

Speaking at Karachi Press Club's (KPC) Meet the Press Programme, he dispelled the impressions that if appointed he will be given a free hand. "Whatmore would be working closely in consultations with the board and selection committee," he said.

"Keeping with modern day cricket demands PCB is appointing specialists in batting, bowling and fielding departments to make Pakistan best team in the world," Zaka Ashraf, who took over PCB Chief in October 2011, commented.

"We would be holding discussions with Dav Whatmore on his arrival before deciding about his appointment," he pointed out.

"My wish and desire is to make Pakistan number one team in the world and that we are taking all possible steps," he remarked.

He said if appointed Whatmore will be given a free hand to suggest support staff to make his working comfortable. Commenting on his remarks about the interim coach Mohsin Khan that he was not qualified coach. "I have regards and respect for Mohsin but those were personal views but his name is not among the candidate for coaching assignment," he said.

Responding to a hypothetical query that some senior players in Pakistan team were against the appointment of Dav Whatmore because of his strict approach, he said it was too early to predict since his appointment was yet to finalized by the PCB.

He said appointment of the coach will be made on merit and merit only. "My top most priority is to work for the betterment of cricket and bring international cricket back to Pakistan and raise Pakistan image in the arena," he said.

PCB Chairman said after taking over, he wrote letters to all cricketing board around the world and sought their support in revival of international cricket in Pakistan.