Misbah, Waqar step down ahead of T20 World Cup

The head coach Misbah Ul Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis have stepped down from their respective roles ahead of the New Zealand series.

Former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and all-rounder Abdur Razzaq have been named as their interim replacement.

According to Misbah, the quarantine in Jamaica post the West Indies series gave him an opportunity to reflect on this last two years and also thought about the hectic international cricket schedule ahead.

“Considering that I would have had to continue to spend considerable time away from my family and that too in a bio-secure environment, I have decided to step down from the role,” he said.

“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 past 24 months have been thoroughly enjoyable and I want to thank my team and the management for their support. I wish the Pakistan cricket team best of luck in the upcoming events and will continue to support them every time they will take the field to represent Pakistan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Waqar stated that after Misbah shared his decision and future plans, it was a straightforward decision for him.

“We had walked into the roles together, had worked collectively as a pair and now also step down together,” he said.

“Working with the Pakistan bowlers, including the youngsters, has been most satisfying as they have now started to show progress. Bio-secure environments in the past 16 months have had their impact, something we had never experienced during our playing days.

“The next eight months will be busy and exciting for the Pakistan team and, like in the past, I will continue to back and cheer them. I want to thank each and every member of the Pakistan cricket team set-up as we stayed united in good and bad days, and hope there will be brighter days ahead.” he maintained.

Meanwhile, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan stated that the board respects Misbah’s decision as it is not easy for anyone to be in bio-secure bubble for this long.

“Cricket in this unprecedented bio-secure world has not been easy for anyone and Misbah has clearly taken into account the intense six months of non-stop cricket ahead,” he said. “In the past 24 months, Misbah has given his very best to the team and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

He went on to thank Misbah and Waqar for the commitment they showed during the last couple of years as the head coach and bowling coach of the unit, respectively.

He then named Saqlain and Razzaq as their replacement for the upcoming New Zealand series and mentioned that they are ready to take up the role.