Pakistan Cricket Board likely to announce new head coach by end of April

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to reveal its new coaching staff for both red and white-ball formats by the end of April, according to an official in Lahore. Notable coaches, such as Gary Kirsten from South Africa and Jason Gillespie from Australia, have submitted their applications by the April 15 deadline. The board noted that apart from the duo other applicants are also under consideration for the coaching roles.

The PCB's impending decision on the appointment of a new coach holds significant weight, as it will influence the trajectory of the national team's performance in international cricket. The source had said that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized that the selection of coaches for long-term appointments will be conducted meticulously, adhering to due process.

“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 source was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

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“Even in Kirsten and Gillespie'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,” the source added.

In 2019, the PCB followed proper procedures in appointing Misbah-ul-Haq as the head coach and chief selector of Pakistan's men's team. It is worth noting that, subsequent appointments have been temporary. The source has stated that moving forward, the board will only entertain candidates who formally apply for coaching positions, aiming for a more structured and transparent selection process.

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The source also emphasized that the PCB chief prefers not to disclose any names at this stage, with announcements to be made only when decisions are finalized. Moreover, the PCB has set April 20 as the deadline for candidates interested in applying for assistant coach positions.

“The PCB chief doesn't want names disclosed at any stage, and names would only be revealed once announcements are made. 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,” the source said further.