SOUTH Africa barred a top coach from joining Pakistan’s World Cup squad because of fears he may disclose playing secrets to their rivals. English-born Richard Pybus, who coached Border to both the first-class and limited overs provincial finals this season, was appointed on Thursday as Pakistan’s technical coach and fitness trainer for the World Cup. However, United Cricket Board managing director Ali Bacher vetoed the arrangement after a board meeting at the weekend. “Richard works in South Africa for six months of the year and he knows all our secrets and methods,” Bacher said. “It would be entirely unacceptable to have him in an opposing camp at the World Cup.” A disappointed Pybus said: “I didn’t think there were any secrets in international cricket these days, and besides I am too far removed from the national set-up to know what those secrets might be.”