Mohsin admitted that it was a race against time.
In Karachi, Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s cricket chief, revealed on Monday that the appointment of the new head of the national team would be finalized within the coming ten days.
As the T20 World Cup approaches in the United States and the Caribbean islands, Mohsin acknowledged the urgency for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to swiftly appoint the head coach and complete the selection of the remaining coaching staff.
Reports suggest that the PCB has been in search of a foreign coach since parting ways with Mickey Arthur following Pakistan’s disappointing World Cup performance last year. However, Naqvi emphasized that the Board’s priority is to appoint the most suitable individual, whether local or foreign, to lead Pakistan’s struggling team ahead of their upcoming campaign in the Americas.
“I can guarantee that we will name the head coach within the upcoming week or ten days,” Naqvi assured journalists during a press conference held at the National Bank Stadium, coinciding with the PSL final match between Multan Sultans and Islamabad United.
Naqvi chose not to reveal any specifics regarding the new appointment, emphasizing that leaked and inaccurate information led to Australia’s Shane Watson withdrawing from consideration for the position of Pakistan coach. “Certain erroneous reports regarding the coach’s appointment had detrimental effects on Pakistan cricket,” he stated.
Naqvi mentioned that Pakistan’s leading cricketers are scheduled to participate in a training camp set in the hills of Abbottabad starting from March 25, and he expressed the desire for the new coach to accompany them. The PCB chairman also addressed several other matters, emphasizing Pakistan’s determination to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year despite facing various challenges.
However, he sidestepped discussing the sensitive issue of India’s refusal to tour Pakistan in the past, stating instead that the PCB is committed to exploring all avenues to ensure the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
In the previous year, Pakistan had to implement a hybrid hosting model for the Asia Cup due to India’s refusal to play matches in the country. Consequently, the majority of the matches, including the final, were relocated to Sri Lanka, while only a handful of less significant games were retained in Pakistan.
Concerns have arisen regarding the possibility of the Champions Trophy facing a similar outcome, but Naqvi dismissed such apprehensions. “Our focus is solely on hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” he emphasized, indicating that the PCB will address any challenges as they arise.
Naqvi mentioned a recent meeting with Jay Shah, a key figure in the Indian cricket board (BCCI), held in Dubai during an ICC event last week. However, he chose not to divulge any specifics regarding the discussion.
Naqvi announced plans for extensive development projects at Pakistan’s three top-tier stadiums located in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the Champions Trophy. Additionally, he suggested the possibility of downsizing the PCB, addressing concerns that the organization may be struggling with its current size.
When questioned about potential significant reforms within the PCB, Naqvi responded, “We have 900 individuals managing just 11 players.” He emphasized the need to implement measures to ensure the financial sustainability of the PCB.
