The Pakistan cricket team is facing a challenge as they prepare for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, finding themselves without a head coach. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been striving to bring in a foreign coach, yet their endeavors have hit a roadblock due to many coaches being committed to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been keen on securing a foreign coach for the team, but all attempts thus far have fallen through. Sources within the PCB disclosed that efforts to enlist the services of Andy Flower, the former English coach, and Australia's Simon Katich have proven unsuccessful. Furthermore, rejections from West Indies' Darren Sammy and Australia's Shane Watson have complicated the quest further.
While the PCB is making efforts to engage Australia's Justin Langer and his former colleague Mathew Hayden as potential head coaches, it's been revealed that most foreign coaches are declining due to their IPL commitments.
"The majority of coaches are tied up with the IPL," stated a source.
The PCB's insistence on hiring a foreign coach has drawn criticism from former Pakistani cricketers, urging the board's chairman to reconsider their approach to prevent the team from suffering.
"The PCB's coach selection process lacks professionalism. There's a stark contrast between standard hiring practices and the PCB's methodology," remarked former Pakistani cricketer Aaqib Javed.
It's worth noting that the inability to secure a foreign coach has left the Pakistan cricket team without coaching staff for two crucial series. They will head into the five-match T20I series against New Zealand and subsequently a four-match T20I series in England without a head coach.
Former Pakistani wicketkeeper Moin Khan has advocated for the PCB to consider local coaches within the national setup rather than solely relying on international staff.
"If Pakistani cricketers aren't meeting the criteria for coaching at international standards, then the PCB should initiate a coaching development program for them," emphasized Moin Khan.
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