New Delhi , December 18 : Former Indian all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar is appointed as the bowling coach of the Afghanistan national team . Prabhakar, who played 39 Tests and 130 One-day Internationals, will assist head coach, former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq. Prabhakar was Delhi’s coach in 2011-12 but was sacked due to controversial reasons. Prabhakar had the knack of swinging the ball both ways and was also useful as a part time opening batsman . He took 250 international wickets and have scored three international hundreds, including one in Tests. Afghanistan will be based in Greater Noida after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Indian cricket Board (BCCI) this month. Afghanistan are grouped with Scotland, Hong Kong and Zimbabwe in Group B of the World Twenty20 qualifiers. One of the four teams will make it to Group 1 to join England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies for the Super 10 stage. The former India all rounder was exited with the prospect of working alongside Inzamam . Talking to Xtra Time from Delhi ,Prabhakar shared his thoughts over phone ,“He is a world class batsman having played more than 100 international matches . He also led his country and have a vast experience behind him . It will be a huge honour for me to work along with him .We want to set an example working together helping Afghanistan cricket reach the next level .”
Recently Prabhakar was involved with Afghanistan cricket , working with the Under 19 boys . The 52 year old all rounder will join the senior team in couple of days . Having worked with the youngsters , Prabhakar felt batting have been their weak link ,“ I feel they are hugely talented cricketers and have the mental strength to do well in international cricket . Personally what I feel is they need to improve a lot in their batting . Once they improve this aspect , they will be a completely different side .”Prabhakar had a bitter experience coaching the Delhi team as he was removed from the post in a controversial manner . His aim will be to establish himself as a coach .