Former Indian international Sridharan Sriram has emerged as the front-runner to become the next permanent coach of the UAE national cricket team, Sport360 understands.

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) have been searching for a new head coach since Aaqib Javed stepped down after four years in charge in May.

Sriram, a left-arm spinning all-rounder in his playing days, has been identified as the man they wish to become Javed’s successor and according to sources, he has verbally agreed to the role but has yet to put pen to paper as he remains under contract with IPL side Delhi Daredevils as an assistant coach.

ECB board member and official spokesperson, Zayed Abbas said: “I have no comment on this.

“Whenever we are ready to announce we will let the media know about it. We don’t comment on rumours,” added Abbas, who re-emphasised  that a new coach will be announced by May.

If Sriram, 41, is to take the job, then it’s likely he would move once the IPL concludes with the final on May 21.

Sriram has been regularly working with the Australian national team as a spin consultant, most recently in their Test tour to India, which ended on Tuesday.

He received praise from left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe following his  record 12-70 in Australia’s 333-run win in the first Test in that series.

During his career, Sriram never figured in the national team’s Test  sides, but did play eight ODIs between 2000 and 2004.