Misbah Ul Haq And Waqar Younis Step Down As Pakistan Coaches

Pakistan team’s head coach Misbah Ul Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis have quit their respective positions on Monday, September 6, 2021, and have conveyed their decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Both Misbah and Waqar were contracted in September 2019 and still have one year left in their contracts. Their decision to leave the position comes only a few hours after the squad for the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup was announced.

Misbah Ul Haq And Waqar Younis Step Down As Pakistan Coaches

Misbah mentioned that his decision came as he wanted to spend more time with his family and said: “The quarantine in Jamaica post the West Indies series provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the past 24 months as well as the schedule for international cricket ahead. Considering that I would have had to continue to spend considerable time away from my family and that too in a bio-secure environment, I have decided to step down from the role.

I understand that the timing may not be ideal but I don’t think I am in the right frame of mind for the upcoming challenges and it makes sense for someone fresh to step-in and take the side forward. The past 24 months have been thoroughly enjoyable and I want to thank my team and the management for their support. I wish the Pakistan cricket team best of luck in the upcoming events and will continue to support them every time they will take the field to represent Pakistan.”  

Waqar Younis Cites Busy Schedule And Bio-Secure Environments For His Decision To Step Down

On the other hand, Waqar Younis said that the bio-secure environment has taken its toll on everyone and his decision to step down was a straightforward one given the upcoming 8 months will be busy for the Pakistan team.

“After Misbah shared with me his decision and future plans, it was a straightforward one for me to resign as we had walked into the roles together, had worked collectively as a pair and now also step down together. Working with the Pakistan bowlers, including the youngsters, has been most satisfying as they have now started to show progress. Bio-secure environments in the past 16 months have had their impact, something we had never experienced during our playing days.

The next eight months will be busy and exciting for the Pakistan team and, like in the past, I will continue to back and cheer them. I want to thank each and every member of the Pakistan cricket team set-up as we stayed united in good and bad days, and hope there will be brighter days ahead,” Waqar said.

PCB CEO Wasim Khan revealed that Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq have been named interim coaches for the Pakistan team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand.

Also Read: Mushfiqur Rahim To Give Up Wicket-Keeping Duties In T20Is For Bangladesh