Morkel quits as Pakistan bowling coach after World Cup exit

Morne Morkel
Morne Morkel

(Reuters) – South African Morne Morkel has resigned as Pakistan’s bowling coach, the country’s cricket board (PCB) announced yesterday, two days after their failure to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in India.

Pakistan finished fifth in the standings with eight points having won four matches and losing five, with their final defeat by outgoing champions England on Saturday ruling them out of contention for the knockout stages of the tournament.

The former South Africa fast bowler had joined the team on a six-month contract in June.

“Pakistan Cricket Board will announce his replacement in due course,” the PCB said in a short statement without providing any reason for Morkel’s departure.

Morkel had joined the team for their two-match test series against Sri Lanka, which they won 2-0, before a one-day series against Afghanistan and the disappointing Asia Cup campaign.

Pakistan’s next assignment is a three-match away test series against Australia from Dec. 14 to Jan. 7, 2024.