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Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) hunt for the new head coach is still on. However, in a big update PCB's newly recruited chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that they will be appointing Pakistan's new head coach in the next seven to ten days. This recruitment drive comes with a ticking clock as the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which is set to be held in the United States and West Indies from June 2 this year, is just a few months away. Naqvi too admitted the need for the PCB to quickly appoint the head coach and the rest of the coaching staff.
Previously, the PCB had been focused on finding a foreign coach after Mickey Arthur's departure following Pakistan's disappointing performance in last year's World Cup. However, Naqvi revealed a shift in strategy. The board will now prioritise finding the ‘best possible person’ for the job, regardless of nationality. This new leader will be tasked with steering the currently underperforming Pakistani team towards success in the upcoming World Cup.
Mohsin Naqvi gives update on Pakistan's new head coach appointment
“I assure you that we will appoint the head coach within the next one week or ten days,” Naqvi told reporters at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18.
However, Naqvi remained tight-lipped about the details of the new head coach appointment. He blamed leaked and inaccurate information for causing a lot of harm to Pakistan cricket specifically referencing the withdrawal of Australian candidate Shane Watson. Naqvi emphasised the importance of having the new coach join the national team's upcoming boot camp starting March 25 in Abbottabad.
PCB chief on ICC Champions Trophy
The 45-year-old also addressed Pakistan's ambitions to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year. He vowed that the PCB would "leave no stone unturned" despite potential challenges. Notably, he avoided directly mentioning India's past refusal to play in Pakistan. While acknowledging last year's "hybrid model" Asia Cup where key matches were held elsewhere due to India's stance, Naqvi expressed optimism, stating the PCB will "knock at every door" to ensure a successful Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He opted not to dwell on potential roadblocks, emphasizing the PCB's current focus on securing the event's hosting rights.
There's a key issue looming over Pakistan's bid to host the Champions Trophy: India's historical refusal to play in Pakistan. This has been a major point of contention, and many fear the Champions Trophy could face a similar fate as the Asia Cup last year. Back then, Pakistan was forced to adopt a "hybrid model" where most matches, including the final, were held in Sri Lanka due to India's stance.
However, Mohsin Naqvi chose to avoid directly addressing this "elephant in the room." He remained optimistic, stating the PCB will make every effort ("knock at every door") to ensure a successful Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Naqvi's approach suggests the PCB is focusing on securing the hosting rights first and dealing with potential participation issues later.
“We are just thinking about having the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” he stressed effectively saying that PCB will cross the bridge when it comes to it," Naqvi further added.
Naqvi also shed light on other topics as well. He revealed a meeting with BCCI secretary Jay Shah during an ICC gathering in Dubai last week. However, Naqvi didn't say much about the interaction.
Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy, Naqvi outlined plans for significant upgrades to Pakistan's three main stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. These renovations aim to prepare the venues for the prestigious tournament. Additionally, he hinted at potential streamlining efforts within the PCB, acknowledging concerns that the board might be overstaffed. Naqvi left the specifics of any major PCB changes unanswered.
“There are 900 people (working for the PCB) to manage 11 players.” Naqvi said that to make the PCB financially viable, he would need to carry out appropriate steps," PCB chief concluded.
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