The Pakistan cricket team finds itself entering a crucial five-match T20I series against New Zealand without a head coach, a predicament attributed to the challenges faced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in securing a foreign coach. Despite PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's desire to enlist the services of a foreign coach, all attempts thus far have hit roadblocks.
Reports indicate that endeavors to enlist the likes of Andy Flower, the former English coach, and Australia's Simon Katich have faltered. Additionally, the rejection from figures like West Indies' Darren Sammy and Australia's Shane Watson has further complicated the quest.
Efforts to engage Australia's Justin Langer and his former colleague Mathew Hayden as potential head coaches are ongoing, yet sources suggest that many foreign coaches are unavailable due to their commitments to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
"The unavailability of most coaches due to their IPL commitments has hindered our progress," a PCB insider revealed.
The PCB's insistence on securing a foreign coach has drawn criticism from former Pakistani cricketers, who advocate for a reconsideration of the board's strategy to prevent the team from bearing the brunt.
"The PCB's approach to coach selection lacks professionalism. There's a glaring disparity between standard hiring protocols and the PCB's methodology," remarked former Pakistani cricketer Aaqib Javed.
The failure to secure a foreign coach leaves the Pakistan cricket team embarking on two pivotal series without the guidance of a head coach and supporting staff. The team is set to compete in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand followed by a four-match T20I series in England, both without a designated head coach.
Former Pakistani wicketkeeper Moin Khan has urged the PCB to consider local coaching talent within the national setup rather than relying solely on international appointments.
"If Pakistani coaches meet international standards, the PCB should invest in coaching development programs for them," Moin Khan emphasized.
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