The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly approached former New Zealand cricketer Luke Ronchi for the position of head coach, as per sources familiar with the matter. Ronchi, who currently serves as the batting coach for New Zealand, has requested some time to consider the offer before making a decision, sources revealed. Luke Ronchi had declined a previous offer from the PCB last year, leading to the appointment of Grant Bradburn. Notably, Ronchi holds the distinction of representing both New Zealand, his country of birth, and Australia during his cricket career.
Throughout his playing days, the 42-year-old Ronchi featured in four Tests, 85 ODIs, and 33 T20Is, debuting for Australia in limited-overs cricket back in 2008. He has also been part of various league teams such as Guyana Amazon Warriors, Islamabad United, Mumbai Indians, and Perth Scorchers. This development follows refusals from Shane Watson, Mike Hesson, and Darren Sammy to take up coaching roles with the Pakistan team. Watson cited his current commitments in coaching and commentary, including roles in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Major League Cricket, as well as coaching the Quetta Gladiators, as reasons for declining the offer.
Meanwhile, Sammy declined the PCB’s approaches due to his existing contract as the head coach of the white-ball teams for the West Indies board. The PCB, under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, is actively seeking a robust coaching staff for the national cricket team. To swiftly fill the coaching vacancy ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand in April, the PCB is contemplating the appointment of local coaches alongside foreign consultants. The forthcoming five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled to commence on April 18, setting the stage for an exciting cricketing showdown.