Why did PCB-Shane Watson deal couldn’t materialise? Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has opted out of contention for the role of head coach for the Pakistan cricket team.
Why did PCB-Shane Watson deal couldn’t materialise?
Citing personal commitments and a desire to honor existing coaching and commentary duties, Watson has withdrawn from consideration.
PCB’s pursuit of dual-format coach
Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reveal that discussions with Watson faltered due to conflicting priorities.
While the PCB sought a coach capable of handling both white-ball and red-ball cricket, Watson’s preference for coaching limited-overs cricket posed a challenge.
Board mulls over temporary Pakistani coach
In light of Watson’s withdrawal, the PCB is considering appointing a Pakistani coach on a temporary basis for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
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The board is keen on assembling a robust coaching staff to fill the void left by Watson’s exit.
PCB explores local and foreign coaching options
With the coaching vacancy looming, the PCB is exploring a combination of local and foreign consultants to bolster the coaching staff ahead of the crucial series against New Zealand.
The aim is to ensure the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Changes in coaching positions at the PCB
Recent changes in coaching positions at the PCB saw Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick transition to roles at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
However, they vacated these positions in January, with the decision described as amicable by the PCB.
Watson offered US$2 million by PCB
Shane Watson’s decision to withdraw from consideration for the head coach position has left Pakistan’s cricket team facing a leadership vacuum as they prepare for crucial upcoming fixtures, including a five-match T20I series against New Zealand and engagements with England ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.
Initial reports suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had offered Watson an annual salary of approximately US$2 million.
However, it has emerged that the actual figure was considerably lower, closer to half the reported amount.
Surprisingly, financial negotiations did not factor into Watson’s choice to decline the offer.
The rapid pace of discussions surrounding Watson’s potential appointment meant that accepting the position would have required him to abruptly resign from his current coaching roles.
This logistical challenge appears to be the primary reason behind his decision to withdraw from consideration.
Head coach of Quetta Gladiators
In his recent tenure as head coach of the Quetta Gladiators, which began late last year, Watson implemented significant changes within the team.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in replacing long-serving captain Sarfaraz Ahmed with South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw.
Despite a promising start to the season, Gladiators’ performance waned towards the end, culminating in their elimination from the playoffs by Islamabad United.
With Watson no longer in contention, Pakistan must swiftly identify a suitable replacement to guide the team through the upcoming series and tournaments.
