NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has honed in on former Australia and New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Luke Ronchi as the prime candidate for the role of head coach. Sources within the PCB revealed on Wednesday that extensive discussions have transpired with the 42-year-old Ronchi, who boasts coaching experience with Pakistan Super League side Islamabad United.
Amidst a scarcity of high-profile coaches willing to join the PCB ranks, Ronchi’s name has risen to the forefront due to his familiarity with Pakistan cricket and his coaching credentials. Sources suggest that negotiations with Ronchi are progressing, with hopes of finalizing the contract in the coming days, ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming home T20 series against New Zealand.
Ronchi, who retired from professional cricket, has previously served as a batting consultant and coach for the New Zealand team, adding weight to his candidacy for the coveted coaching position.
While acknowledging the challenges in attracting top-tier coaches, the PCB remains optimistic about Ronchi’s potential appointment, highlighting the need for a conducive working environment and a clear evaluation framework for the coaching staff.

According to sources, Ronchi has expressed his desire for assurances regarding a reasonable timeframe to implement his coaching strategies, emphasizing that his performance should be assessed over a period rather than after each series or event.
The PCB’s pursuit of coaching talent has faced setbacks in the past, notably with Australian cricketer Shane Watson, whose potential coaching contract discussions were compromised due to leaks of sensitive details.
As preparations for the T20 World Cup in June gain momentum, Pakistan have already commenced its training camp at the Kakul army base. The imminent appointment of Ronchi is expected to inject fresh energy and strategic insight into the national cricket team’s preparations for upcoming tournaments.
(Inputs from PTI)