Watson yet to decide on Pakistan coaching

LAHORE: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, offered the role of head coach for the Pakistan cricket team, has yet to make a decision although the PCB has accepted his wage demands.

Sources within the board revealed that Watson has requested an annual salary of $2 million, approximately 46 million rupees per month, making it the highest fee ever paid to a foreign coach by Pakistan.

Previous foreign coaches of the Pakistan team, including Richard Pybus, Bob Woolmer, Geoff Lawson, Dav Whatmore, Grant Bradburn, and Mickey Arthur, were compensated considerably less than Watson’s demands.

The source disclosed that Watson’s hesitation stems from his familial obligations in Australia and commitments in the USA Major League. He is deliberating over the options as the board expects him to dedicate significant time in Pakistan to aid in talent discovery and grooming at the domestic level.

The ongoing changes within the PCB and coaching staff are also contributing to Watson’s decision-making process, causing a delay in signing the contract. Presently, Watson is coaching the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and lacks prior experience coaching an international team, albeit he has served in coaching roles in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his preference for a foreign coaching set-up to lead the team, with the full support of the board. Despite assuming the role of Minister of Interior, Naqvi has indicated his intention to retain his position within the board concurrently.

While it would not be unprecedented for an official heading the PCB to hold a government position simultaneously, the source confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has no objections to Naqvi’s dual role.