Stuart Law declines Pakistan's offer of becoming head coach

The PCB will have to continue their search for a head coach, after former Australian Test cricketer, Stuart Law turned down their proposal because of prior commitments and unavailability. They are expected to now choose between Englishman Andy Moles and former Australian batsman Dean Jones for the position.

The former Australian batsman was the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) first choice for the position of head coach, after the former coach Waqar Younis stepped down from the post in April. The decision might have come in due to the failure of the Pakistan team in the T20 World Cup 2016 in March.

“Yes, there are hurdles in the way of signing on Stuart Law as head coach although he is our first choice for this position. He had applied for a coaching position with us but he has now conveyed he is more interested in a consultant’s position and that he wouldn’t be able to join the team immediately,” PCB Chairman, Shaharyar Khan told PTI.

Stuart Law has been chosen as an interim mentor for the Australian team, ahead of the Qantas tour of Sri Lanka between July and September, and hence, will not be able to join the team immediately. He also expressed his concern to the PCB regarding his unavailability when Pakistan tours Australia in November-December this year.

Andy Moles and Dean Jones probables for head coach

The board had previously come to a collective agreement with Law as their first choice and Moles as a backup.

“We are now also talking to Moles and Jones although the BOG had some reservations over some candidates,” the PCB chief said.

However, according to a reliable source, the board is not completely convinced with signing the 55-year-old Moles due to his past records as a coach, where he has reportedly left teams because of disagreements with the board. Moles has previously associated with teams like Kenya, Scotland, Afghanistan and New Zealand.

“What is of concern to us is that Moles left or had to leave coaching assignments with Kenya, Scotland, New Zealand and Afghanistan because of disagreements or discord with their boards or players,” the source said.

Khan added that negotiations with the prospective candidates were on, and the final decision would be announced in the next two or three days.

“We want the new coach to join the team before the tour to England from next month,” he said. “Once the head coach is appointed we will also finalise the rest of the support staff with him.”