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Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has declined an offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to become the head coach of the men's senior national team. The decision came after details of his discussions with the PCB were leaked to the media, causing Watson to feel disgruntled and ultimately opt out of consideration for the role. Additionally, his commitments to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and family priorities in Sydney played significant roles in his decision-making process.
Reports from Pakistan indicate that the PCB's offer to Watson amounted to around US$2 million annually. This substantial figure reflected the board's keen interest in securing Watson's expertise and leadership for the national team. However, leaks regarding the specifics of the pay package led to Watson's disappointment, as he had initially shown interest and even outlined certain conditions for accepting the offer during discussions in Karachi, coinciding with the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL).
A source familiar with the matter stated, "Watson had initially shown interest and kept certain financial and other conditions to accept the offer. But after the board more or less accepted Watson’s financial demands, the Australian was not happy that details of the proposed package were leaked out in the Pakistan media and social media."
Watson's decision to decline the Pakistan head coach role was also influenced by his commitments beyond cricket. As an IPL commentator and participant in the major USA league, he has professional obligations that require his attention. Moreover, Watson expressed a desire to allocate more time to his young family based in Sydney, further solidifying his choice to withdraw from consideration.
In light of Watson's decision, the PCB is now expected to appoint an interim head coach to oversee the upcoming training camp in Kakul from March 25 to April 8. This camp precedes a crucial home series against New Zealand, comprising five T20 matches scheduled to commence on April 14 in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
"A team of local coaches as an interim arrangement for the camp and NZ series is the only available option for the PCB now, and Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will be required to make a call after the PSL final on 18th March," revealed a source close to the PCB.
The development underscores the complexities involved in international cricket management, where contractual commitments, personal priorities, and confidentiality expectations play pivotal roles in shaping decisions at both individual and organizational levels.
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