The ECB has been searching Aaqib Javed’s full-time successor since the former Pakistan pacer ended his successful four-year stint as head coach in April of last year.

Since then, former England internationals Paul Franks and Owais Shah led the side as interim coaches on short temporary deals with former Warwickshire chief Dougie Brown now at the helm on a three-month contract.

Brown admitted he would be interested in extending his stay once it expires in May and Zayed Abbas, a member on the ECB board, says there’s a suitable candidate on their radar.

“We have a target in mind and definitely we will appoint a coach before Dougie’s term is over,” he told Sport360.

“This is our time frame and this is why we have selected this period of time. We are confident we will be able to announce the new head coach soon.

“After Aaqib Javed left last year, we didn’t fill that role as we wanted to make sure we had the right person who can work with the boys, communicate with them. We are still in the process. On extending Dougie’s deal, it’s possible but based on the ECB’s directions.”