Waqar Younis has stepped down as Pakistan bowling coach after a difference of opinion over his role.

Former fast bowler Younis told television channel Geo on Saturday that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of his resignation just hours before he was due to leave for South Africa to join the team for a three-match Test series.

"I have been told that I will only be with the team for the Test series and will return home before the one-day series," said Younis, who was appointed bowling coach until the World Cup in March and April.

"I think it is better for everyone that I should step down from this responsibility at this stage."

Dr Ehsan Malik, communications manager of the PCB, said the decision to have Younis there only for the Tests was that of the team management.

"The board has nothing to do with it. The captain and coach decided he should be in South Africa only for the Tests. We had no objections to his being there for the one-dayers as well," Malik said.

He said Younis should not blame the board and that it was still willing to honour his contract.