Watson emerges as strong candidate for Pakistan men's head coach

LAHORE: Former Australia all-rounder and World Cup winner Shane Watson has emerged as a potential candidate for the coaching role of the Pakistan national men’s cricket team, well-placed sources told Geo News.

The 42-year-old is currently working as head coach for Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine. A decision is likely to be taken soon regarding the coaches.

On the other hand, Mike Hesson and Daren Sammy are also among the contenders for the coaching role.

Hesson and Sammy are currently working as head coaches for Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi, respectively, during the ongoing PSL.

Meanwhile, Sir Vivian Richards is being considered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the role of mentorship.

The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is interested in appointing a strong coaching staff for the cricket team. However, appointing well-known coaches would be a tall order since most of them are working with leagues all over the world.

The five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is likely to be played in the second week of April, according to sources.

It must be noted Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick, who were transferred to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore after a change in their portfolios in November 2023, left their respective positions in January this year.

In April 2023, Arthur was named Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team while Bradburn was roped in as head coach of the Pakistan national men’s side earlier last year. Former South Africa cricketer Puttick worked as a batting coach since April 2023.

The decision was taken amicably between all the parties involved, according to PCB.

Pakistan Men’s Future Tours Programme for 2024

April – New Zealand to Pakistan (5 T20Is)

May – Pakistan to the Netherlands (three T20Is), Ireland (two T20Is) and England (four T20Is)

June – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup USA/West Indies 2024

August – Bangladesh in Pakistan (two Tests)

October – England in Pakistan (three Tests)

November – Pakistan to Australia (three ODIs and three T20Is)

November/December – Pakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs and three T20Is)

December/January – Pakistan to South Africa (two Tests, three ODIs, three T20Is)Sir Viv Richards praises PSL for nurturing young Pakistani cricket talent