PCB keen on making Shane Watson highest-paid coach in Pakistan cricket history

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen on making Shane Watson the highest-paid coach in the country’s cricket history.

According to a report in local media, Watson has been offered an annual salary of $2 million by the PCB. If the agreement is signed, Watson could potentially become the highest-paid coach in the history of Pakistan cricket.

However, the report added that sources close to Watson claim that he may not accept the offer.

Watson might not be interested in taking up the role as he does not want to stay away from his family for a long period of time.

Mike Hesson and Daren Sammy are among the contenders for the coaching role of the Pakistan national men’s cricket team.

Hesson and Sammy are currently working as head coach for Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi, respectively.

The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is interested in appointing a strong coaching staff for the cricket team. However, appointing well-known coaches would be a tall order since most of them are working with leagues all over the world.

In order to fill the vacancy in time for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand at home, the PCB is also considering the possibility of appointing local coaches along with foreign consultants.

The five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin from April 18. 

It must be noted Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick, who were transferred to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore after a change in their portfolios in November 2023, left their respective positions in January this year.

In April 2023, Arthur was named Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team while Bradburn was roped in as head coach of the Pakistan national men’s side earlier last year. Former South Africa cricketer Puttick worked as batting coach since April 2023.

The decision was taken amicably between all the parties involved, according to PCB.