Former England coach Peter Moores has turned down an opportunity to succeed Waqar Younis as the new Pakistan coach for the cricket team, the 53-year-old Englishman said.
Coaching Pakistan, traditionally a fractious bunch of highly talented individuals, is one of the toughest jobs in international cricket and Younis stepped down a disillusioned man last month after the team’s poor World Ty20 display in India.
Moores was among five foreign candidates being considered by the PCB to replace Waqar Younis, who stepped down after the Men in Green’s dismal performances in Asia Cup T20 and World T20.
While tempted by the chance to return to international coaching, Moores was reluctant to commit to long periods away from his family, according to ESPNcricinfo.
“I was hugely flattered to be approached,” the 52-year-old said. “And I was very tempted by such a prestigious role with an exciting team.”
“But having thought about it deeply, I don’t think it is the right time for me or my family. I have committed myself to a consultancy role with Nottinghamshire and I am enjoying spending time with my kids as they grow up,” he added.
The former Three Lions coach was sacked by the England Cricket Board (ECB) 12 months after he took charge of the team following England’s early exit from the ICC World Cup 2015, where Eoin Morgan’s men were the only team out of top eight who failed to qualify for the knock-out stage, after they lost to Bangladesh in the all-important encounter at Adelaide.
Other candidates who applied for the coaching role of the Pakistan team included former South Africa coach Micky Arthur, Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United coach and former Australian Dean Jones, former World Cup 1999 winning all-rounder Tom Moody and former Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons.
After the team’s woeful campaigns both in the Asia Cup and the World T20, the PCB has embarked on rebuilding the side, appointing former cricket captain Inzamam-ul-Haq as the new chief selector.
