With the 2021 T20 World Cup just a month away, Pakistan cricket received a major shock on Monday as their head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis stepped down from their respective roles. Both of them still had a year left in their contracts after being appointed in September 2019.
I don’t think I am in the right frame of mind for the upcoming challenges: Misbah-ul-Haq
In his statement, Misbah, the former skipper said: “The quarantine in Jamaica post the West Indies series provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the past 24 months as well as the schedule for international cricket ahead. Considering that I would have had to continue to spend considerable time away from my family in a bio-secure environment. I have decided to step down from the role.”
“I understand that the timing may not be ideal but I don’t think I am in the right frame of mind for the upcoming challenges. And it makes sense for someone fresh to step in and take the side forward,” he added
Straightforward decision for me after Misbah shared plans: Waqar Younis
“After Misbah shared with me his decision and future plans, it was a straightforward one for me to resign. As we had walked into the roles together, had worked as a pair, and now also step down together. Bio-secure environments in the past 16 months have had their impact, something we had never experienced during our playing days.”
“The next eight months will be busy and exciting for the Pakistan team. And, like in the past, I will continue to back and cheer them on. I want to thank each and every member of the Pakistan cricket team set-up as we stayed united in the good and bad days. And hope there will be brighter days ahead,” he added
Abdul Razzaq and Saqlain Mushtaq appointed as interim coaches
The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday announced that former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and allrounder Abdul Razzaq would be interim coaches for the time being. It also stated that the board will pick the coaches for T20 World Cup 2021 in the due course.
The New Zealand side is due to arrive in Pakistan on September 11 for the three ODI and five T20I series. And the Pakistan side will assemble in Islamabad on September 8. The “PCB has appointed Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq as interim coaches for the series. The team management for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be appointed in due course,” the PCB said.