Morne Morkel steps down as Bowling coach of Pakistan Team

On Monday, former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, bowling coach of Pakistan Cricket team became the first to resign from Pakistan's coaching staff, just two days after the team failed to reach the semi-finals in World Cup 2023, currently happening in India. Despite his efforts to strengthen the pace attack, challenges during his tenure led to an unexpected decision to step down.

The resignation follows Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pakistan ended fifth in the points table, winning four matches and losing five, with a final defeat to England eliminating them from the knockout stage. The World Cup underscored the weaknesses in the team's fast bowling, according to cricket legends like Wasim Akram.

_{Photo: Crictoday}

Morne Morkel in his six-month contract that commenced in June, contributed to a victorious two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and an underwhelming Asia Cup campaign.

The Pakistan Cricket Board, through a press release announced his departure after his resignation and mentioned an upcoming announcement regarding his replacement before the upcoming three-Test tour of Australia.

Mickey Arthur, the team director, explained that Morkel had to leave despite liking his short time with the team because of other league commitments. Even though Morkel's contract was supposed to last until January 2024, he had to resign. Morkel's departure statement lacked specific reasons, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts to speculate about the internal dynamics within the coaching staff.

Captain Babar Azam and Arthur are under the spotlight due to Pakistan's early exit from the World Cup. This is the fifth time in the last six World Cups that Pakistan failed to make it to the semi-finals.