According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering former Australian cricketer Shane Watson as a top candidate for the role of head coach of the men’s national cricket team.
With the side now without a head coach, PCB hopes to finalise the job before the forthcoming white-ball series against New Zealand in April.
According to EspnCricinfo, Watson, who is now in Pakistan, has received notice for his coaching stint with the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this year. Under his leadership, the Gladiators have made a major turnaround and are on track to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five years, impressing the PCB selectors.
Although Watson has been approached by PCB, his acceptance of the position is doubtful due to his current responsibilities and family obligations in Sydney. Watson, in addition to coaching the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket, works as a commentator for Star Sports on ICC events and the Indian Premier League. He formerly worked as an assistant coach under Ricky Ponting with the Delhi Capitals.
The decision on Watson’s employment may be based on the terms offered by PCB, specifically the length of time he must spend in Pakistan. PCB’s earlier flexible approach, as demonstrated with Mickey Arthur’s hire, enabled coaches to mix roles across numerous cricketing setups. Arthur coached Derbyshire during the English county season while also serving as Pakistan’s Director of Cricket, with Grant Bradburn taking over as full-time head coach.
Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy is being considered for the coaching position. Sammy’s strong ties to Pakistan cricket, which derive from his time as captain of Peshawar Zalmi, have bolstered his candidature. His decision to lead his side to the 2017 PSL final in Pakistan gained him a large following among Pakistani supporters. Sammy currently serves as the head coach of Peshawar Zalmi, which adds to his qualifications.
