The Pakistan Cricket Board, seeking a foreign coach for its team, may opt for a Pakistani if it can't hire someone by August, PCB chairman General Tauqir Zia said.

Englishman Keith Medlycott, coach of English county team Surrey, and former South Africa captain Kepler Wessels are the two leading candidates, Zia said. The PCB has contacted both but has made little progress since.

"Medlycott and Wessels are the two we're interested in but if nothing materialises by August 1, we may have to appoint someone from within Pakistan," Zia said.

Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad vacated the coaching position in April. English-born, South Africa-based Richard Pybus took up a two-month contract for Pakistan's tour of England in May and June and this month rejected the offer of an extended contract through to the 2003 World Cup.

A Pakistani appointment would follow a string of home coaches since 1999, including Miandad, Mushtaq Mohammed, Wasim Raja and Intikhab Alam.

Wessels, 43, said he's yet to discuss terms or conditions with the PCB. South African-born Wessels played 24 Tests for Australia between 1982-1985 and 16 for his native country between 1992-1993.

The 36-year-old Medlycott is in the first of a four-year contract with Surrey, championship winners for the past two years.

"I am very happy at Surrey," said Medlycott, who's been asked to send his resume to the PCB. "At the same time, moving to the international arena is something that would excite a lot of people. I want to be the best at what I do and get to the top of my profession."

Pakistan play a home Test series against New Zealand in September, followed by the second Asian Test Championship that also involves India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

© Bloomberg