Shane Watson Withdraws Candidacy For Pakistan Head Coach Position - Report
Shane Watson has decided to withdraw his candidacy for the role of Pakistan's head coach, opting out of the race. This decision leaves Pakistan still searching for a head coach.
Former Australian cricketing all-rounder Shane Watson has withdrawn his candidacy for the position of head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, despite being the preferred choice of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Watson has chosen to fulfil his existing coaching and commentary obligations for the time being.
The ex-Australian all-rounder who coached Quetta Gladiators during this season's Pakistan Super League (PSL), was engaged in advanced discussions over the past week concerning his potential appointment as Pakistan's limited-overs coach.
Watson Puts Existing Commentary & Coaching Stints On Priority
According to ESPNcricinfo, Watson has chosen to prioritise his existing coaching and commentary obligations for now. He is currently committed to commentary duties in the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 2024, which starts on March 22, and serves as the head coach for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket (MLC). Additionally, he remains involved with the Quetta Gladiators.
Taking on a full-time role with Pakistan would have required Watson to assume his responsibilities immediately, ahead of Pakistan's upcoming limited-overs series against New Zealand at home next month. It would have also entailed his commitment to Pakistan's limited-overs program throughout the year.
With Watson's withdrawal from consideration, Pakistan are left without a head coach as they prepare for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Additionally, Pakistan are scheduled to play T20Is against England in May as part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup in June.
The report emphasises that Shane Watson was offered a coaching role by the PCB for approximately US$1 million per year.
Watson With Quetta Gladiators
Watson took on the role of head coach for the Quetta Gladiators in late 2023. Notably, he had previously secured a title with the Gladiators as a player back in 2019. Quetta Gladiators began the PSL 2024 season on a strong note, showing remarkable performance that led them to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. However, they faced a downturn in momentum towards the latter part of the tournament and were eventually eliminated by Islamabad United on March 15 (Friday) in the first Eliminator of the tournament.
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