Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has decided to withdraw from the race to become Pakistan's head coach, despite being the preferred candidate of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Watson, renowned for his all-round prowess on the cricket field, had been engaged in advanced discussions regarding the possibility of assuming the role of Pakistan's limited-overs coach. His impressive stint as the coach of Quetta Gladiators during the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) season had garnered attention, leading to speculation about his potential appointment as Pakistan's head coach.
According to sources from ESPNcricinfo, Watson's decision to decline the offer stems from his desire to honour his existing commitments in coaching and commentary roles. Currently, Watson is involved in commentary duties at the Indian Premier League (IPL) and holds a head coaching position with the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket, in addition to his responsibilities with the Quetta Gladiators.
Furthermore, Watson's familial obligations and residence in Sydney contributed to his decision to prioritize his current roles over the potential Pakistan coaching position.
Had Watson accepted the offer, he would have been tasked with assuming charge immediately ahead of Pakistan's upcoming limited-overs series against New Zealand in April. Additionally, the role would have required his commitment to Pakistan's limited-overs program throughout the year.
Watson's withdrawal leaves Pakistan without a head coach as they prepare for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand and subsequent fixtures against England in May, leading up to the T20 World Cup in June.
Contrary to earlier reports speculating about the financial aspects of the offer, ESPNcricinfo suggests that the actual figure proposed by the PCB was substantially lower than the initially rumoured figure of $2 million. Nonetheless, the financial considerations did not influence Watson's decision to withdraw his candidature.
The swift developments surrounding the PCB's interest in Watson meant that accepting the offer would have necessitated Watson's abrupt departure from his current commitments, prompting him to prioritize stability and continuity in his existing roles.
Watson's coaching tenure with the Quetta Gladiators, although brief, saw notable changes within the team, including the replacement of longstanding captain Sarfaraz Ahmed with South Africa's Rilee Rossouw. Despite a strong start to the season, the Gladiators faltered towards the end and were eliminated from the tournament by Islamabad United.
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