Pakistan Cricket Board chair, Mohsin Naqvi revealed one of the major reasons behind their failed move of bringing in former Australia all-rounder, Shane Watson as their new national team head coach. Mohsin shared that too many media leaks about their talks with Watson, were amongst the leading reasons which made him reject the offer from PCB. Speaking to reporters, Mohsin reflected on why the Watson deal did not work out for them.
The chairman said that the things that were leaked in the media were incorrect but did not reveal much details about the same. It was earlier reported that Watson did not want to join Pakistan due to his broadcast and other coaching commitments.
“We were also in talks with Shane Watson, and one reason for him not accepting the offer was because so many things leaked out in the media, most of which were not correct,” Naqvi told Geo News.
PCB’S HUNT FOR COACHES
Ever since the end of the 2023 ODI World Cup, which saw their former head coach Grant Bradburn part ways with the national side, Pakistan have been looking for a fresh name to guide the side. Former Pakistan captain and team director, Mohammed Hafeez oversaw the coaching duties of the side during their series against Australia and New Zealand. However, Hafeez was sacked from his post in September 2023, making PCB resume their search for a coaching name.
Watson was appointed as the head coach of PSL side Quetta Gladiators during the 2024 season, and was reportedly happy with his experience. The 42-year-old was reportedly close to penning down a heavy-money deal with the PCB, before ultimately deciding against it. Watson chose to honour his commentating commitments in the IPL 2024 season.
During the PSL final between Multan Sultans and Islamabad United on March 18, Mohsin Naqvi assured the Pakistan cricket fans about sorting their coaching name out as quickly as possible.
“I assure you that we will appoint the head coach within the next one week or ten days,” Naqvi told reporters.
Pakistan cricket team have not been enjoying the best of form since their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. The side suffered whitewash defeats in their recent Test series against Australia and the T20 series against New Zealand by 2-0 and 4-0 respectively. Their dismal form has brought heavy criticism from fans and former cricket greats alike, which has only added pressure on the board in their search for a new coach.
