Shane Watson no longer in race to coach Green Shirts

Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson, who was a potential candidate for the coaching role of the Pakistan national men’s cricket team, will no longer be considered for the post, sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board told Geo News on Saturday.

The PCB, according to the sources, has conducted talks with the ex-Aussie all-rounder, but they didn't work out due to his commitment with family and other plans.

Meanwhile, the board wanted to recruit someone who could coach teams of both formats, the sources said, adding that the PCB wanted to sign a long contract with the next hire.

The sources maintained that the rumours regarding Watson's potential compensation were also not true. Watson, on the other hand, has returned home after coaching Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League's (PSL) ninth edition.

They added that the board may hire a Pakistani coach temporarily for the Green Shirts' series with New Zealand.

Watson pulls out of Pakistan head coach race

Meanwhile, ESPNcricinfo reported that the Watson has pulled out of the race to become Pakistan’s head coach in limited-overs cricket.

The former Australia all-rounder wants to honour his current coaching and commentary commitments rather than leaving them at a short notice.

An Indian Premier League (IPL) commentary stint and head coach of Major League Cricket side San Francisco Unicorns are among Watson’s commitments, along with coaching Quetta Gladiators. The fact that he has a young family also played a role in his decision.

After Quetta Gladiators' exit from PSL 9 on Friday, Watson has already left Pakistan.

The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is interested in appointing a strong coaching staff for the cricket team.

In order to fill the vacancy in time for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand at home, the PCB is also considering the possibility of appointing local coaches along with foreign consultants.

The five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin from April 18.

It must be noted that 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 batting coach since April 2023.

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