LAHORE – Shane Watson, who was initially hesitant due to familial commitments, engaged in negotiations with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against an historic offer of a substantial remuneration increase for coaching services, the sources close to the development revealed on Friday.
The PCB suspended an enticing salary package initially offered to Shane Watson to helm coaching responsibilities for the Pakistani team. The board later accepted Watson’s terms, offering an annual salary equivalent to approximately 4.6 crore Pakistani rupees, or 2 million dollars.
Watson will potentially become one of the highest-paid coaches in Pakistan’s cricketing history if the both sides reached the deal.
The board expressed openness to accommodating Watson’s additional demands.
The sources said that Watson suggested his earnest consideration of the offer.
“Awaiting a formal written offer, indications point towards a probable acceptance,” said the sources.
They said that Watson, however, expressed contentment with his availability for series or national team camps and accompanying the team during overseas tours, he clarified his unavailability for a one-year stint in Pakistan.
Focused solely on white-ball cricket, Watson’s decision left PCB to scout for an alternative coach for Test cricket.
Wahab Riaz, according to the sources, is also the part of the negotiations with Watson.
PCB CEO Salman Naseer and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi are presently engrossed in ICC meetings in Dubai.
The anticipated return will pave the way for further progress in these negotiations.
The upcoming engagements for the Pakistan cricket team include a T20 series against New Zealand in April, potentially marking Watson’s debut assignment as coach. However, a true litmus test looms with the impending World Cup.
The PCB, according to the sources, is contemplating the removal of Shaheen Afridi from T20I captaincy.
The important decisions about team leadership are due to be made, and the expected coach would also be taken into confidence in this regard.
