In a surprising development, Pakistan men’s national cricket team head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis on Monday resigned from their posts. They informed the PCB about their decisions on Monday.
Both Misbah and Waqar were appointed in September 2019 and still had a year each left in their contracts.
Misbah, according to the PCB, 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 and that too 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, “The past 24 months have been thoroughly enjoyable and I want to thank my team and the management for their support. I wish the Pakistan cricket team best of luck in the upcoming events and will continue to support them every time they will take the field to represent Pakistan.”
Waqar, for his part, said, “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 collectively as a pair and now also step down together.
“Working with the Pakistan bowlers, including the youngsters, has been most satisfying as they have now started to show progress. Bio-secure environments in the past 16 months have had their impact, something we had never experienced during our playing days.”
Waqar, who has captained the Pakistani team in the past, added, “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. I want to thank each and every member of the Pakistan cricket team set-up as we stayed united in good and bad days, and hope there will be brighter days ahead.”
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said that former Pakistani bowler Saqlain Mushtaq and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq had replaced Misbah and Waqar respectively. He said, “Saqlain is the Head of International Player Development at the National High Performance Centre, while Abdul Razzaq’s domestic side won three titles in the 2020-21 season.
“Both Saqlain and Razzaq are ready to step-up and are very much looking forward to making important contributions in their coaching roles against New Zealand.”
The development comes just weeks before the T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held. Pakistan are also expected to face New Zealand in home series involving three ODIs and five T20I matches from 11 September. It’s not confirmed whether both Saqlain and Razzaq will remain in their roles till the T20 World Cup.