NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson remains undecided on accepting the role of head coach for the Pakistan cricket team, despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreeing to his remuneration terms.
Sources within the board revealed that Watson has demanded an annual salary of $2 million, roughly equivalent to 46 million rupees per month, marking the highest fee ever proposed for a foreign coach. This demand surpasses the compensations received by previous foreign coaches of Pakistan.
“Considering his young family in Australia and commitments in the USA Major League, he is assessing his options. The board expects him to dedicate ample time to Pakistan, aiding in talent discovery and domestic grooming,” the source explained.
Watson’s deliberation on signing the contract is influenced by the PCB’s frequent structural changes and coaching staff alterations.
While currently coaching the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Watson lacks prior experience coaching an international team, albeit having some coaching exposure in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the necessity of a foreign coaching setup with comprehensive support from the board. Despite being appointed as the Minister of Interior, Naqvi has indicated his commitment to both roles simultaneously.
This dual role scenario, not unprecedented in PCB’s history, received no objections from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Naqvi, demonstrating his dedication, has enlisted six Punjab government bureaucrats for deputation within the board and has also announced his intention to forgo a salary as Minister of Interior.
(With inputs from PTI)