The Pakistan national cricket team has once again been hit by management issues. On Monday (Oct. 28), Gary Kirsten, the team’s recently named head coach, stepped down from his position in what came as a shock to many.
Gary Kirsten’s resignation was immediately accepted by the Pakistan Cricket Board and after that he was also appointed interim coach. Jason Gillespie, who is the team’s red-ball coach, will be the team’s head coach for the upcoming white-ball tour to Australia and Zimbabwe.
However, this has not stopped the Pakistan Cricket Board from searching for a new head coach for white-ball cricket. According to various media reports in Pakistan, it is learned that the governing body is not interested in bringing in any foreign coach. The board wants a local name on the coaching staff.
Saqlain Mushtaq has emerged as a strong candidate to take over the position.
Reports claimed that former Pakistan national cricket team player Saqlain Mushtaq has emerged as a strong candidate to take over the role. It is learned that the captain of the white team, Mohammad Rizwan, also expressed his support for him to take up the position and the captain could play a very important role in it.
Saqlain Mushtaq is currently serving as a mentor for the PCB and his previous success with the white-ball team has made him a strong contender. He also served as Director of the PCB’s High Performance Center for International Player Development. And there’s a good chance he’ll take on the role.
Aaqib Javed, another candidate to take over as coach of the team
Not only Saqlain Mushtaq but also Aaqib Javed seems to be another candidate to take over as the team’s head coach. The former player of the team has also expressed his desire to be the coach of the team but has demanded all the authority of the team.
Aaqib Javed earlier received many offers from the team to be the bowling coach of the team. He declined and expressed his preference for a more comprehensive leadership position. However, that was not accepted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, but with the publications available, there could be many possibilities.
Pakistan Cricket Board president Mohsin Naqvi will take the final decision on the appointment of a permanent coach of the white-ball team.
Aaqib Javed has quite a bit of experience as the team’s coach. He was with the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. Javed was most recently the bowling coach of the Sri Lanka national team. He is currently the team’s selector and was credited a lot after Pakistan won the test series against England.
Reports claimed that Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will take the final decision on the appointment of a permanent coach of the white-ball team after consulting with all key stakeholders. It remains to be seen who will take on the role in the team.