The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively considering former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson for the position of head coach for the men’s national side. With the team currently lacking a head coach, the PCB aims to secure a permanent appointment before the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand in April.
Watson, who is currently in Pakistan serving as the coach of the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has garnered attention for his coaching abilities. Under his guidance, the Gladiators have experienced a significant turnaround, poised to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Despite Watson’s impressive track record, he is not the sole candidate under consideration. The PCB is also looking at former West Indies captain Daren Sammy as a potential candidate. Sammy, who currently serves as the limited-overs coach for the West Indies team, enjoys a strong rapport with Pakistan cricket, particularly for his role as the captain of Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL.
While Watson has been approached for the role, it remains uncertain whether he will accept the position, considering his existing commitments. He resides in Sydney with his family and has a busy schedule, including coaching the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket and commentary duties with Star Sports in ICC events and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The decision regarding Watson’s appointment may hinge on the PCB’s requirements regarding the head coach’s presence in Pakistan. The board has previously offered flexible roles to coaches, allowing them to manage coaching responsibilities in multiple leagues simultaneously.
The PCB’s pursuit of top coaching talent reflects its commitment to strengthening the coaching setup for the Pakistan team. Newly appointed PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed the board’s willingness to spare no expense in securing the best coaches for Pakistan, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing the team’s coaching staff.
Pakistan’s coaching appointments have been influenced by the administrative changes within the PCB. Previous chairmen have made decisions that have led to instability in the coaching setup. With the current focus on securing a permanent head coach, the PCB aims to stabilize the coaching structure and provide strong leadership for the national team.
As the PCB evaluates its options, both Watson and Sammy remain strong contenders for the prestigious role of head coach of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team.
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