In another shocking turn of events in the resignations of Pakistan’s bowling coach Waqar Younis and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, it is learnt that newly named Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja had asked them to quit.
News channel Samaa reported through sources that Ramiz had met former fast bowler two days ago and told him about his plans to sack him and Misbah as soon as he assumes the PCB charge.
Waqar and Misbah resigned on Monday just a month before the ICC men’s T20 World Cup.
“I’ve taken some strict decisions regarding the team management, please don’t mind,” Ramiz reportedly told Waqar.
According to Samaa, Waqar told Ramiz that he will make a decision after consulting Misbah. Waqar wanted to resign before PCB forces him to do so, sources added.
He and Misbah stepped down from their respective posts hours after chief selector Mohammad Wasim announced Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup.
The same squad will feature in the upcoming five-match T20 International series against New Zealand and two T20 matches against England before it flies to the UAE for the mega event that starts October 17.
According to a PCB press release, Misbah reflected on his performance at the helm of the national team management. Considering the international cricket schedule ahead, Misbah decided to resign from the post in order to spend time with his family.
“I understand that the timing may not be ideal but I don’t think I am in the right frame of mind for the upcoming challenges and it makes sense for someone fresh to step-in and take the side forward,” the press release quoted him as saying.
The PCB statement said Waqar decided to resign after Misbah shared his decision with him. “It was a straightforward one for me to resign as we had walked into the roles together,” it quoted him as saying.
The series against the Kiwis will be played from September 21. It will be held after a three-match One-day International series which kicks off on September 17. Pakistan will host England in October.
The PCB has appointed Abdul Razzaq and Saqlain Mushtaq as the interim coaches for the New Zealand series.
