The PCB last followed appropriate protocol in choosing coaches in 2019, when it named Misbah-ul-Haq as the national team’s head coach and top selector.
Pakistan will unveil a new set of coaches for the national team in both red and white ball forms before the end of this month, according to a Cricket Board (PCB) official on Friday. The PCB also announced that, in addition to South Africa’s Gary Kirsten and Australia’s Jason Gillespie, the board had received applications from a few other reputable coaches by the April 15 deadline. The PCB official stated that, while they are interested in Kirsten and Gillispie, they are also considering fresh applicants. “The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that the long-term appointments of coaches will be done through a due process and all commitments would be met by the board,” the report went on to say.
The last time the PCB followed appropriate protocol while choosing coaches was in 2019, when Misbah-ul-Haq was named the national team’s head coach and chief selector. Since then, all appointments have been on a consultancy or transitory basis.
Another trustworthy PCB source stated that this time, the board will only invite individuals who applied for coaching posts to interviews.
“Even in Kirsten and Gillispie’s case though, the board has held direct negotiations with them, and they remain top candidates to be appointed head coaches, (but) they were also told to apply through due process by the deadline,” a person familiar with the matter stated.
He stated that with other fascinating prospects also applying for the role of head coach, the PCB will need until the end of the month to make a decision and make an announcement.
“The PCB chief doesn’t want names disclosed at any stage, and names would only be revealed once announcements are made,” a source told me.
The PCB has also maintained an April 20 deadline for anyone interested in applying for assistant coach roles.
“Even Azhar Mahmood has to go through the process, and currently, he was named head coach for the New Zealand series on a consultancy basis,” said a source.
