Former Pakistan coach eyes Punjab Ranji Trophy team coaching spot

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) is in the midst of a significant decision as it seeks a new head coach for the Punjab senior team ahead of the upcoming domestic season. 

Among the frontrunners are former India opener Wasim Jaffer and former Pakistan fast bowling coach Shaun Tait.

“We have received over 45 applications for the head coach role of the Punjab senior team. Two of the prominent names are former India opener Wasim Jaffer and former Australia speedster Shaun Tait. The process is still underway, and we will announce the name by next week,” a PCA official said.

The successful candidate will replace Aavishkar Salvi, who assumed the head coach position in August 2022. Under Salvi’s guidance, Punjab made notable strides in the 2022-23 domestic season, reaching the knockouts of all three major tournaments. 

The team advanced to the last four stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the quarter-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the Ranji Trophy.

A standout moment for Punjab under Salvi's leadership was winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by defeating Baroda in the final.

 This victory ended a 30-year trophy drought, with the last domestic title being the Ranji Trophy in the 1992-93 season.