Whatmore resigns as Knight Riders coach

Renowned cricket coach Dav Whatmore yesterday resigned as head coach of Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. He is the front-runner to become Pakistan's next coach. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials have invited the Australian to Pakistan to discuss his appointment in the second week of January. Venky Mysore, chief executive of the Knight Riders, has lent his support to Whatmore's desire to coach a national team again. "We have been most supportive of Dav's keen interest in pursuing an international coaching role and wish him the very best," said Mysore. "His decision to resign is to ensure that Kolkata Knight Riders are able to plan for the transition and we thank him for that. We also thank him for all his contributions over the past two years." Whatmore, who has coached Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the past, expressed his gratitude to the team and staff. "The team has progressed in the right direction and as always, I wish the team continued success and look forward to them progressing to silverware in 2012. Many thanks to those who supported and believed in me," Whatmore said.