In a bid to bolster Pakistan cricket’s coaching setup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eyeing former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson for the role of head coach.
Reports suggest that the PCB is willing to offer Watson an annual salary of $2 million, which equates to roughly PKR 4.6 crore per month, potentially making him the highest-paid coach in Pakistan’s cricket history.
While the lucrative offer is on the table, sources close to Watson indicate hesitancy on his part to accept the position. Concerns over prolonged separation from his family may deter Watson from committing to the role.
Amidst this uncertainty, other notable contenders for the coaching position include Mike Hesson and Daren Sammy. Hesson currently serves as the head coach for Islamabad United, while Sammy holds a similar role with Peshawar Zalmi.
The PCB, under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, is determined to assemble a formidable coaching staff for the national team. However, the task of securing well-known coaches poses challenges, given their existing commitments to various leagues worldwide.
In light of the urgency to fill the coaching vacancy ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, the PCB is exploring options to appoint a combination of local coaches and foreign consultants.
Notably, the position of head coach of Pakistan has been vacant since PCB decided to sack Grant Bradburn, who served in the role under team director Mickey Arthur.
Arthur was replaced by Mohammad Hafeez, but the position of head coach remained vacant as Hafeez preferred specialized batting and bowling coaches.
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