Andy Flower distances himself from coaching Pakistan team

Flower out of contention to replace Saqlain. (PC- Associated Press)

Former Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower has ruled himself out of contention to replace Saqlain Mushtaq as the head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team.

According to the emerging reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is overhauling the coaching staff around the men's side following a winless home Test season, during which they lost 3-0 to England and drew with New Zealand.

Widely regarded as one of the best coaches going around in the world right now, Flower has refused to be considered for the role of the head coach by saying:

"I am currently enjoying the duties of franchise cricket, PCB is aware of this and therefore avoided the offer."

Despite 2023 being a World Cup year, the governing body is unlikely to extend Saqlain's contract. 

Newly-appointed chairman of the PCB's management committee, Najam Sethi, has shown interest in hiring a foreign coach for the team's interest as the contracts of Saqlain Mushtaq and Shaun Tait, Pakistan's current head and bowling coach, expires next month.

PCB had shortlisted some big names like Mickey Arthur, Justin Langer, and Tom Moody, but unfortunately, each one has excused themselves from the head coach role citing various reasons. Andy Flower is the latest addition to the list.

Meanwhile, sources said that former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Tait as bowling coach. 

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