After being insulted by Shane Watson and Darren Sammy, Pakistan Cricket Board takes this step to appoint Coaches

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing challenges in appointing a coach for the men’s national cricket team. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi aims to implement a hybrid model for coaches, which involves appointing a foreign head coach and Pakistani assistants.

The newly-appointed chairman still favors a foreign head coach for Pakistan’s team, despite the team’s disappointing performance under Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Arthur notably led the team to victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Former cricketers like Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq, along with Mohammad Hafeez, have not found success in their roles with the national team. Mohammad Hafeez recently resigned from his position as Director of Cricket following an unsuccessful tenure.

The PCB approached former all-rounder Shane Watson, who coached the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, with an annual salary of $2 million. However, Naqvi said that the deal couldn’t be finalized due to the surfacing of details in the media.

Pakistan Cricket Board Approach Former Cricketers For Head Coach

According to cricketpakistan.com.pk, the cricket board approached former English coach Andy Flower, but he turned down the offer. Similarly, Mike Hesson, the coach of Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, also declined to take up the position.

Additionally, Darren Sammy’s contract with the West Indian Board rendered him unavailable, while former Australian cricketer Simon Katich declined the offer. Although discussions were initiated with Justin Langer, no affirmative response has been received to date.

The cricket authorities seem reluctant to appoint former Pakistani stars to significant positions within the team. Azhar Mahmood and Saqlain Mushtaq have both confirmed that they have not been contacted regarding any potential appointments with the Men’s team.

The board has approached Matthew Hayden, a former associate of the team, for potential involvement. Many coaches are reportedly unavailable due to commitments in the Indian Premier League, but PCB remains optimistic about making progress next week.

Currently, the Pakistan team is without a head coach and supporting staff. Their upcoming schedule includes a five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home, commencing on April 18 in Rawalpindi, followed by a four-match T20I series in England.

PCB Has Not Hired Any Professional Coach – Aaqib Javed

Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed criticized the lack of professionalism in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) coach selection process. He highlighted the discrepancy between standard hiring practices and the PCB’s approach.

“It’s not about jealousy, it’s about mindset. If you look at the past 10-12 years, apart from Mickey Arthur, PCB has not hired any professional coach. In the entire world, when there is an advertisement for coaching, the first requirement is usually a Level 3 plus qualification, followed by 4-5 years of international experience,” Aaqib said.

“PCB hires a person first and then the advertisement comes according to that person. So when you don’t correct your advertisement, then anyone can apply, then what are the criteria?” he questioned.

Also read: Watch- Imad Wasim instigates Babar Azam fans amid chants of former Pakistan captain in Karachi