Misbah-ul-Haq appointed Islamabad United's head coach: report
Misbah-ul-Haq has been appointed as Islamabad United's new head coach.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Islamabad United have appointed Misbah-ul-Haq as their new head coach by replacing Dean Jones who served the franchise for four years, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Misbah-ul-Haq’s signing has led to objections raised by other Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises as the 45-year-old is also serving as national head coach and chief selector, bringing up the issue of a potential conflict of interest given his multiple roles.
Dean Jones confirmed his sacking via a video message on Twitter, where he expressed his disappointment while also recalling his stint with the team, with whom he had won two titles.
The former Australian cricketer said he spent wonderful four years with Islamabad United. The 58-year-old said he had a magnificent journey all the way, had a lot of fun winning championships and watching young kids play for Islamabad as well as Pakistan.
Dean Jones thanked the owners for giving him the opportunity to work with the franchise, fans who always supported him and the players who worked with him.
Meanwhile, Islamabad are yet to officially announce Misbah’s appointment, but it is understood that they had him on board weeks before he signed up for the Pakistan job. It is also understood that the PCB, who had earlier promised to form a policy against holding dual jobs in the same set-up, had agreed to Misbah having multiple jobs within the same organization.
The PCB is now facing significant pressure from the other franchises to discuss the issue. One of the possible solutions floated is to bar Misbah from participating in the selection process on the PSL draft day. Franchises have also objected Misbah’s presence in the dressing room as head coach with Islamabad.
The PCB’s chief executive officer Wasim Khan had earlier contended that allowing Misbah to coach at the PSL would ultimately be to "Pakistan’s benefit". It is also understood that during his time in PSL he will not get a salary from the PCB for his role with the Pakistan national team.
