According to local media, the former Australian all-rounder, Watson, is not willing to commit to a year-round presence in Pakistan which is why a separate coach for Test cricket could be appointed.
Reportedly, Watson has been offered an annual salary of $2 million by the PCB. If the agreement is signed, Watson could potentially become the highest-paid coach in the history of Pakistan cricket.Watson is seriously considering the offer and could accept the role when he is formally approached by the PCB.The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is interested in appointing a strong coaching staff for the cricket team.In order to fill the vacancy in time for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand at home, the PCB is also considering the possibility of appointing local coaches along with foreign consultants incase the contract with Watson is not signed before the series.The five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin from April 18.It must be noted Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick, who were transferred to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore after a change in their portfolios in November 2023, left their respective positions in January this year.In April 2023, Arthur was named Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team while Bradburn was roped in as head coach of the Pakistan national men’s side earlier last year. Former South Africa cricketer Puttick worked as batting coach since April 2023.The decision was taken amicably between all the parties involved, according to PCB.