KARACHI (Reuters)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a fresh approach to South African Richard Pybus for a short-term coaching assignment, it has said.

PCB chairman Tauqir Zia told Reuters that Pybus, who earlier turned down a long-term offer, had been invited to coach the national team until October 2001, taking in matches against Bangladesh, India and New Zealand.

"We have asked Pybus to work with the team until October this year," Zia told Reuters. "We are still waiting for final confirmation from him, but yes, we want him for the first half of the season."

English-born Pybus, who is now settled in South Africa, worked with the Pakistan team on their recent tour to England.

Pakistan have had nine coaches over the last four years, with Pybus having worked with the Pakistani team on three separate occasions.

"We initially wanted him immediately after the England tour, but now we have asked him to be coach for the Asian Test Championship, home series against New Zealand and the triangular tournament in Sharjah in October," Zia said.

Pakistan begin the home season with a Test against Bangladesh on August 29, followed by a scheduled Test against India under the Asian Test championship.

Pakistan also host New Zealand for three Tests and three one-day matches from September16.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd