Latif targets getting Test status for Afghanistan in two years time

Former Pakistan Test captain Rashid Latif, who is all set to join Afghanistan cricket team as its head coach following his resignation as the wicket-keeping coach of the National Cricket Academy, has said that his goal is to get Test status for Afghanistan in the next two years.

"My job is to train the Afghan team and prepare a back-up line for them for future," the Daily Times quoted Latif, as saying.

He pointed out that without a proper back up, any team who was getting Test status could not survive long.

Latif also said he had sorted his minor differences with the Afghanistan Cricket Association. "I have accepted the offer after sorting out differences with them."

He confirmed that he would be joining the Afghan team in Dubai on September 17 where they are preparing for Inter Continental Cup.

The 41-year-old coach will be taking over the new responsibility from compatriot Kabir Khan, who resigned over differences with the Afghan cricket authority after last month's Scotland tour.

Latif played 37 Tests and 166 one-day internationals (ODIs) in an illustrious career that also saw him campaign against corruption in the game. He had been wicket-keeping coach at the NCA since late 2008. (ANI)