Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson’s chances of becoming the next coach of the Pakistan cricket team have dwindled as the cricketer was only interested in training for white-ball cricket, sources told Pakistan Cricket Geo News.
According to the sources, the PCB held talks with the Australian all-rounder, which did not work out as his family and previous plans prevented training.
Meanwhile, the board wanted to hire someone who could coach teams of both formats, the sources said, adding that the PCB wanted to sign a long-term contract with the next hire.
Rumors about Watson’s possible compensation were also untrue, the sources said. Watson, on the other hand, returned home after training Quetta Gladiators in the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League.
They added that the board may temporarily hire a Pakistani coach for the Green Shirts’ series against New Zealand.
Watson pulls out of coaching race in Pakistan
In the meantime, ESPNcricinfo reported that Watson retired from the game to become Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket coach.
The former Australian is keen to honor his current coaching and commentary commitments rather than leave them at short notice.
A commentary stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and coaching Major League Cricket team San Francisco Unicorns are among Watson’s commitments, along with coaching Quetta Gladiators. The fact that he has a young family also played a role in his decision.
After Quetta Gladiators’ exit from PSL 9 on Friday, Watson has already left Pakistan.
The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is interested in appointing a strong coaching staff for the cricket team.
In order to fill the vacancy in time for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand at home, the PCB is also considering appointing local coaches along with foreign consultants.
The five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin from April 18.
It must be noted that Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick, who were transferred to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore after a change in their portfolios in November 2023, stepped down from their respective posts in January this year.
In April 2023, Arthur was appointed as the Director of the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team, while Bradburn was appointed as the Head Coach of the Pakistan Men’s National Team earlier last year. Former South African cricketer Puttick has been working as a batting coach since April 2023.
The decision was taken amicably between all parties involved, according to the PCB.
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