Morne Morkel becomes first casualty of Pakistan’s World Cup humiliation

Sohail Imran

November 13, 2023

Morne Morkel speaking during a press conference in this undated photo. — AFP/File

Morne Morkel had signed six-month contract with PCB.
Cricket body to announce his replacement in due course.
Sources say Umar Gul to take on role once again.

Morne Morkel on Monday stepped down Monday as the Pakistan cricket team’s bowling coach following the team's humiliating exit from the World Cup 2023.

The former South African fast bowler had signed a six-month contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) due to his engagements with different leagues.

The cricket body will announce his replacement in due course.

Former cricketer Umar Gul, who has already served as the team's bowling coach in the past, is expected to take on the role once again, said the sources.

Meanwhile, Gul said that he hasn't been contacted by the PCB regarding the position. He added that Morkel's contract as the bowling coach was till December.

"I have represented Pakistan before and will do it again if I get the chance," added Gul.

Morkel coached the national team for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka which the Green Shirts won 2-0, and a one-day international (ODI) series against Afghanistan which ended in Pakistan white-washing the opponents.

He also coached the team for the Asia Cup and World Cup.

Morkel, 38, served the South African cricket team in 318 international matches and claimed a total of 544 wickets.

His 544 international wickets consisted of 309 Test wickets in 160 innings, 188 in 114 ODIs and 47 in 44 T20Is.

Pakistan are set to play a three-match Test against Australia starting next month.