PCB approaches Luke Ronchi for head coach position

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is working towards getting former New Zealand wicket-keeper batter Luke Ronchi as the potential new head coach of the national team. Ronchi, the current batting coach of the New Zealand cricket team, has been approached by PCB officials about taking over the high-profile role, according to sources close to the situation.

This development comes after several other candidates overturned their decision, including Shane Watson, Mike Hesson, and Darren Sammy to coach the Pakistan national team. The board has found itself in a precarious position, scrambling to find a suitable coach to lead the Pakistan team forward after last year's coaching shake-up.

Ronchi, who previously turned down a PCB coaching offer that led to Grant Bradburn's appointment, is now carefully considering the latest proposal. The 42-year-old New Zealander has had a significant connection with Pakistani cricket, having played for the Islamabad United franchise in the 2018 Pakistan Super League (PSL). His impressive performance as the top run-scorer and Player of the Match in the final helped Islamabad United clinch the coveted PSL title.

Also read: PCB names 29 players for training camp ahead of New Zealand T20Is

Pakistan to play New Zealand in a five-match T20I series

While the other details regarding finances and other matters are still being figured out, sources suggest that talks between Ronchi and PCB officials are well underway. The PCB is keen to secure Ronchi's services. Pakistan has had a series of poor performances right from the ODI World Cup in 2023. With the upcoming T20 World Cup in June, PCB is looking to fill the role of a coach.

Also read: Cricket Australia releases 2024/25 home summer schedule; India, Pakistan set to visit

Pakistan is currently gearing up for the upcoming five-match T20I series starting from 18th April. PCB has also selected 29  players who will prepare from March 25 to April 8 at the Kakul military camp ahead of the five-match New Zealand series. The squad for the series is yet to be announced.