Pakistan to sack entire set of foreign coaches after World Cup debacle: Report

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• Nov 14, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The Pakistan cricket team's disappointing performance in the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 has led to a series of significant changes within the...

Digital Desk: The Pakistan cricket team's disappointing performance in the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 has led to a series of significant changes within the team management. Despite being among the top teams in the ICC rankings, the Babar Azam-led squad failed to live up to expectations, finishing fifth in the points table and making an early exit from the tournament.

Criticism has been directed towards captain Babar Azam, with calls for his removal from the captaincy. In the midst of this turmoil, a recent report from Samaa TV suggests that the entire coaching staff, including team director Mickey Arthur, is set to be sacked following the World Cup debacle.

Sources indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to remove the foreign coaching staff, with discussions already underway among top officials. PCB chief Zaka Ashraf is reportedly in talks with former players, including ex-captain Younis Khan, to address the team's issues.

Adding to the upheaval, Morne Morkel, the bowling coach, has stepped down from his position after Pakistan's disappointing campaign in the ICC World Cup. Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, joined the team on a six-month contract in June. The PCB will soon announce Morkel's replacement as they prepare for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, scheduled from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

The announcement of Morkel's departure follows Pakistan's lackluster performance in the World Cup, which ended with a 93-run defeat against England. The team suffered five defeats in nine matches, including a loss to arch-rival India by seven wickets. In their last league match, the Men in Green faced the daunting task of securing a win by a significant margin to have a chance at reaching the semifinals, but England's dominant performance dashed those hopes.

Morkel had previously coached Pakistan during the Test series against Sri Lanka, which they won 2-0, and the ODI series against Afghanistan, resulting in a clean sweep for Pakistan. His coaching stint also covered the Asia Cup and the World Cup.

With the coaching staff overhaul and the imminent announcement of Morkel's replacement, Pakistan aims to regroup and rebuild ahead of their upcoming Test series against Australia. The cricket fraternity awaits further developments as the team seeks to overcome this challenging phase and rediscover its winning form.