Shane Watson is in talks with PCB officials to finalize the deal but he wants to meet PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The hunt for a new coaching staff for the Pakistan cricket team is heating up, with former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson emerging as a strong contender, according to sources. Watson, currently leading the Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing PSL season, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation as a fierce competitor to the table.
While Watson appears to be the frontrunner, the PCB isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket. Mike Hesson and Daren Sammy, the head coaches of Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi respectively in the PSL, are also in the running. Their performances and leadership skills during the high-profile league are likely under scrutiny by the PCB. But Daren Sammy is already coaching West Indies in white-ball cricket.
Adding a legendary name to the mix, the PCB is also considering the legendary West Indian batter Sir Vivian Richards for a mentorship role. Richards’ experience and cricketing wisdom could prove invaluable in guiding the development of the Pakistan team.
The PCB faces a significant challenge in securing a top-notch coaching staff. Many successful coaches are already committed to leading roles in leagues around the world, making them hard to pry away. Finding the right balance between experience, availability, and cost will be a crucial factor in the PCB’s decision.
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With the five-match T20I series against New Zealand scheduled for April, the PCB needs to make a coaching decision soon. The recent departure of Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick from the National Cricket Academy has left a void that needs to be filled with capable leadership.
Pakistan Men’s Future Tours Programme for 2024
The Pakistan cricket team has a jam-packed year ahead, with tours across the globe. Here’s a breakdown of their upcoming schedule:
April:
New Zealand to Pakistan (5 T20Is): This series will be a crucial test for the newly appointed coaching staff, potentially led by Shane Watson.
May:
Pakistan to the Netherlands (3 T20Is): A chance to test their skills against a developing European team.
Pakistan to Ireland (2 T20Is): Another opportunity to sharpen their T20 skills before the World Cup.
Pakistan to England (4 T20Is): A high-profile series against a strong English side, a good gauge of their performance before the World Cup.
June:
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup USA/West Indies 2024: The main event! Pakistan will be looking to lift the coveted trophy.
August:
Bangladesh in Pakistan (2 Tests): A return to Test cricket after the World Cup, a chance to solidify their ranking.
October:
England in Pakistan (3 Tests): Another highly anticipated Test series, a chance for revenge after the T20I encounter in May.
November:
Pakistan to Australia (3 ODIs & 3 T20Is): A challenging away tour against a strong Australian team.
November/December:
Pakistan to Zimbabwe (3 ODIs & 3 T20Is): An opportunity to solidify their position in the ODI and T20 rankings.
December/January:
Pakistan to South Africa (2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is): The final hurdle of a demanding year, a chance to test their mettle against another top cricketing nation.
A strong coaching staff will be crucial in guiding the team through this demanding international schedule and navigating the challenges ahead.
