Shane Watson pulls out of Pakistan's head coach race

Shane Watson has withdrawn his candidacy for Pakistan's limited-overs head coach position, despite being the preferred choice of the PCB, reported ESPNcricinfo.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had put forward an attractive salary package, sparking Watson's interest in assuming coaching duties for the Pakistani team. Despite initially hesitating due to family commitments, Watson later outlined his conditions for accepting the role, including a significant remuneration. Surprisingly, the PCB agreed to his terms, offering an annual salary of $2 million, approximately PKR 4.6 crore per month.

Sources close to Watson informed Cricket Pakistan that he was seriously considering the offer, eagerly awaiting a formal written agreement. However, he has now had a change of heart.

Watson has chosen to uphold his current coaching and commentary obligations for the time being. After coaching Quetta Gladiators in PSL 9, he will be engaged in commentary duties for the IPL and holds the head coaching position at Major League Cricket with the San Francisco Unicorns. Furthermore, he has cited his young family and residence in Sydney as factors influencing his decision.

Throughout the negotiation process, Watson had already expressed his inability to commit to Pakistan year-round, preferring to be available for specific series and tours. His decision has left Pakistan without a head coach for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand and subsequent matches against England and the T20 World Cup.