PCB in talks with Shane Watson, Darren Sammy to coach Pakistan

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has been approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to coach the national team on a long-term contract. After a humiliating series in Australia and New Zealand, the board parted ways with Mohammad Hafeez and hasn’t appointed a replacement yet. The goal is to finalise a candidate by the end of the month so that the newly-appointed coach is part of the squad during New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan in April.

Notably, PCB loved Watson’s work as the head coach of Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League. They are set to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five years and is reported that the governing body is also impressed by the interpersonal relationships he has been able to strike in a limited time period. However, Watson joining Pakistan as their head coach seems complicated at the moment.

The former cricketer is currently the head coach of San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket and also has a contract with Star Sports for ICC events as well as the Indian Premier League. His availability is currently a matter of discussion and it needs to be seen if PCB offers him a flexible role, the same one which Micky Arthur enjoyed during his time with the national team.

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PCB also in talks with West Indies legend Darren Sammy who currently coaches in PSL

As per ESPNcricinfo, PCB are also in talks with former cricketer Darren Sammy. He has a longstanding relationship with Pakistan and has done wonders for Peshawar Zalmi as their captain and later as a coach in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, complications lie in this case as well. Sammy is currently the head coach of West Indies, who will be co-hosting the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup with the United States of America. To leave the job of his own country ahead of a home World Cup seems difficult but PCB are said to be trying their best to convince Sammy.

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As things stand, PCB wants someone to fill the role permanently and on a temporary basis. This also complicates the situation as many former players are currently associated with various franchise clubs across the world and to leave their position seems difficult.