Misbah-ul-Haq appointed Pakistan head coach and chief selector
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has been handed the reins of the Pakistan national team. Apart from being appointed as the head coach, Misbah has also become the chief selector for a tenure of three years. Legendary pacer Waqar Younis will also return to the setup, being appointed as the new bowling coach.
The decision to appoint Misbah was made by a panel including Intikhab Alam, Bazid Khan, Asad Ali Khan, Wasim Khan and Zakir Khan. The panel was appointed by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Misbah pipped a list of some high-profile candidates which included former Australian cricketer Dean Jones, West Indian legend Courtney Walsh and former Pakistan player Mohsin Khan.
🚨 JUST IN 🚨@captainmisbahpk named Pakistan head coach and chief selector.
MORE 🔽 https://t.co/dlN8MggeUZ pic.twitter.com/b8HTttdhFy
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 4, 2019
“I am ready” – Misbah-ul-Haq
Confirming the appointments, the PCB stated in a press release:
“Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq was today confirmed as Pakistan men’s national team head coach in all three formats on a three-year contract. In line with the PCB’s commitment to ensure transparency, accountability and role clarity at all levels, Misbah was also named as the Chairman of Selectors with head coaches of the six first-class Cricket Association sides as his fellow selectors. On the recommendation of Misbah, the PCB also named two-time former head coach and ICC Cricket Hall of Famer Waqar Younis as bowling coach of the national side on a three-year contract. Both the national team appointments were approved by the PCB Chairman Mr Ehsan Mani.”
After his appointment, an elated Misbah stated:
“I know expectations are high, but I am absolutely ready and up for the task otherwise I would not have thrown my name in the hat for one of the most challenging and coveted roles in Pakistan cricket.”
In a highly decorated career, Misbah played 75 Test matches for Pakistan, scoring 5222 runs at an average of 46.62 with 10 centuries. He also played 162 ODIs, scoring 5122 runs at an average of 43.41.
He will replace Mickey Arthur at the helm after the South African was sacked owing to Pakistan’s poor showing at the World Cup.
