Pakistan stake Wasim claim

Wasim (left) is in demand for his coaching services

Pakistan want fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram to take up a coaching role.

The invite comes a day after the former Pakistan skipper was controversially linked to a job with arch-rivals India.

The Indian cricket board later denied Wasim had been approached to coach bowlers during the Australia tour.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Ramiz Raja said: "Wasim has every right to accept any coaching assignment. But we feel his first priority should be given to Pakistan."

We will offer Wasim coaching assignments at every level PCB's Ramiz Raja

Wasim retired in May this year after taking 414 Test wickets and a world record 502 scalps in one-day games in a 19-year career.

Ramiz added: "Wasim has a role to play in coaching and grooming our young players and we will offer him coaching assignments at every level."

Pakistan coach Javed Miandad said there would not have been any controversy, had it been any other team apart from India.

Miandad said: "People in this country are very emotional about ties with India and with the Indians coming to Pakistan next year, obviously they were not willing to accept Wasim as a bowling coach for them."

The Indian government last month ended a three-year boycott of bilateral cricket matches against Pakistan, paving the way for the arch-rivals to schedule a Test series in Pakistan in March next year.