By Zainab Shafiq 
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finds itself in a tricky spot as its search for new coaches hits a roadblock. Recent attempts to lure high-profile foreign coaches have yielded nothing but rejections, leaving the board with a major decision to make.
Several prominent figures have politely declined the PCB’s offers. Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, despite initial interest in coaching Pakistan’s limited-overs team, ultimately stepped back. Similarly, West Indian legend Darren Sammy, known for his strong connection with Pakistan through the Pakistan Super League (PSL), also declined the offer.
The timing of the IPL 2024’s commencement, coupled with other commitments, seems to be a significant factor. Busy schedules make coaches hesitant to take on part-time roles, especially with the lucrative IPL offering full-time opportunities.
However, the lack of interest goes beyond scheduling conflicts. A PCB official offered a candid explanation, pointing to the board’s past handling of foreign coaches. The previous management, under Zaka Ashraf, made a controversial move by abruptly terminating the contracts of coaches Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick after the 2023 World Cup. This pattern of hiring and firing foreign coaches has created a sense of instability and doubt among potential candidates.
“It is because of the PCB’s poor track record in appointing and sacking coaches — foreign and local — in the past that others are now very reluctant to accept any offer from the PCB,” the official acknowledged.
The list of approached coaches extends beyond Watson and Sammy. Reports suggest the PCB contacted Justin Langer (Australia), Mike Hesson (New Zealand), and even former England captain Eoin Morgan. Additionally, Matthew Hayden and Andy Flower are also rumored to have been approached, with Flower reportedly declining the offer.
PCB’s current situation demands a critical assessment of their coaching strategy. Can they rebuild trust with foreign coaches or will they look internally for a solution? One thing remains clear – the hunt for a new head coach is far from over, and the board needs a compelling approach to overcome its past mistakes and attract top talent.
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