The Pakistan Cricket Board said Monday that team coaches Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis have resigned from their positions.
Misbah and Waqar both informed the cricket board of their decisions late Monday morning. They were both appointed in September 2019 with one year remaining on their contracts.
The PCB has nominated Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq as interim coaches for the series, with the team management for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be appointed in due course.
Read more: South Africa series, last chance for Misbah and Waqar
The New Zealand side is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on September 11 for the three ODI and five T20I series, while the Pakistan side is scheduled to arrive on September 8.
Bets Of Luck Team Pakistan: Misbah
Misbah-ul-Haq stated that the quarantine in Jamaica following the West Indies series gave him the chance to evaluate on the previous 24 months as well as the international cricket season ahead.
Misbah stated that he has opted to resign from the position because he would’ve to continue to spend significant time away from his family, especially in a bio-secure setting.
“I realize the timing isn’t ideal, but I don’t believe I’m in the perfect state of mind for the potential challenges, and it makes sense for someone new to step in and lead the charge.”
Waqar Stepped Down As Bowling Coach following Misbah
Waqar Younis, the bowling coach, said he stepped down when Misbah told him of his future plans.
“It was a simple decision for me to leave once Misbah communicated his decision and future plans with me because we had come into the jobs together, worked together as a team, and now also step down together,” he said.
Working with the Pakistan bowlers, even the youngsters, has been really rewarding, according to the bowling coach, since they have now begun to show growth.
He went on to say that bio-secure conditions had had an impact in the last 16 months, something they had never encountered during their playing days.
“The Pakistan team will have a busy and thrilling eight months ahead of them, and I will continue to support and cheer them on as I have in the past. I’d want to express my gratitude to every member of the Pakistan cricket team, as we have remained united through good and terrible times, and I hope that there will be more better days ahead.”
