Former India opener Wasim Jaffer is in the race for the post of Punjab senior men’s head coach for the upcoming domestic season. The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) interviewed the former cricketer last week at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium office along with other candidates. He is reportedly set to get the nod from the PCA management and take over the role in the coming weeks. Wasim, the highest run-scorer in the history of the Ranji Trophy, will replace his former Mumbai teammate Avishkar Salvi, under whom Punjab won their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy last season. Meanwhile, Avishkar Salvi has joined the Indian women’s team as their bowling coach.

There were also speculations that Wasim will replace Trevor Bayliss as Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach for the upcoming IPL season. He was the batting coach for the IPL franchise from 2019 to 2021. He was later roped in as their batting consultant as well, but stepped down ahead of the IPL 2024 auction.

Wasim, 46, has previously served as the head coach of Uttarakhand and Odisha state teams. However, his stint with Uttarakhand was marred by controversy as he was accused of selection bias by the players, following which he resigned as head coach midway through the season. He later denied the allegations.

It is understood that PCA considered former Indian Test cricketer VRV Singh for the same role. However, with Wasim throwing his hat in the ring, VRV’s name was pushed back. The former Punjab fast bowler, who recently led an U-19 boys’ camp at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, was the head coach of the Punjab U-23 men’s team last season.

It remains to be seen whether Wasim will take on the role of PCA coach or surprise everyone with the position of PBKS head coach in the IPL.