Pakistan’s bowling coach Morne Morkel resigns from his post following the disgraceful exit of Pakistan from the ICC World Cup 2023.
Te former fast South African bowler Morne Morkel has assumed the charge as a bowling coach of the Pakistan Cricket Board for six months.
PCB accepted his resignation and confirmed that they will soon announce his replacement. Former Pakistani pacer Umar Gul is expected to replace Morne Morkel. Umar Gul was briefly appointed as the bowling coach for the series against Afghanistan. However, Umar Gul says so far no one has contacted him for the post from Pakistan Cricket Board.
“I have represented Pakistan before and will do it again if I get the chance,” said Gul, expressing his willingness to take up the coaching role.
During Morkel’s tenure as the bowling coach, Pakistan secured victories in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, clinching a 2-0 win, and in the one-day international (ODI) series against Afghanistan, where they whitewashed the opponents. Morkel also guided the team through the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
Despite defeating New Zealand in a rain-hit game last weekend, Pakistan’s net run rate could not surpass that of the Kiwis. New Zealand, finishing with 10 points, will now face India in the first semifinal, setting the stage for a thrilling clash reminiscent of the 2019 edition.
Read more: Pakistan’s World Cup Dreams Shattered, NZ Enters Semi-Finals
Morkel, 38, a veteran cricketer has played 318 international matches for South Africa. Throughout his illustrious career, he claimed 544 wickets;309 Test wickets in 160 innings, 188 wickets in 114 ODIs, and 47 wickets in 44 T20Is.
Pakistan significantly suffered in bowling departments with Haris Rauf turning out to be the most costly bowler. Naseem Shah was not part of the squad due to his injury meanwhile Shaheen Shah Afridi too struggled with his falling pace. Overall the bowlers struggled to maintain their line and length in ODI format. Similarly, spinners were a big disappointment, Nawaz and Shadab too were encountering similar problems.