Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has pulled out of the running to become the next head coach of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team. Watson, who recently worked with the Islamabad United franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), was among the top candidates being considered for the high-profile coaching position.
Watson’s choice to haul out of the race implies Pakistan stay without a lead trainer in front of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Pakistan are likewise because of play T20Is against Britain in May in front of the T20 World Cup in June. While news reports in Pakistan recommended the PCB’s proposal to Watson ran around US$2 million per year, It is perceived the PCB’s monetary proposition had no impact in Watson’s choice to pull out.
The speed at which advancements happened concerning the PCB’s advantage in Watson as lead trainer implied that tolerating the proposition would have required hauling out of his different jobs at short notification, which is perceived to be the primary justification for pulling out.
Watson was designated lead trainer of Quetta Fighters before the end of last year. He came out on top for a championship with Fighters as a player in 2019. He has rung the progressions at the top in his most memorable season as mentor, most eminently assuming a main part in supplanting Sarfaraz Ahmed – who had filled in as chief of the establishment for a long time – with South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw.
Pakistan’s Search for a New Head Coach
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been on the hunt for a new head coach since last year when they decided not to renew Saqlain Mushtaq’s contract following the team’s semi-final exit at the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Several big names, including Peter Moores, had applied for the role.
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Shane Watson’s Impressive Coaching Credentials
Shane Watson’s name carried significant weight given his successful stint with Islamabad United, whom he guided to PSL titles in 2018 and 2022. The 41-year-old former batting all-rounder was keen on the Pakistan job but has now decided to withdraw his candidature, citing personal reasons.
Focus Shifts to Other Candidates
With Watson out of the picture, the PCB is expected to intensify their pursuit of other potential candidates. Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and South Africa’s Graham Ford are among those reportedly being considered. The new head coach’s immediate assignments will include preparing the team for the Asia Cup and the all-important 50-over World Cup in India later this year.
Pakistan’s Coaching Conundrum
Pakistan’s constant shuffling of head coaches has been a source of concern, with the team’s performance often suffering due to a lack of consistency and direction at the leadership level. The PCB will be keen to make the right hire this time around and provide long-term stability to one of the most talented yet unpredictable teams in world cricket.
As Pakistan embarks on a crucial phase with two major tournaments on the horizon, the identity of their new head coach could prove pivotal in determining their fortunes over the coming months.
