Mark Coles steps down as Pakistan women's cricket team Head Coach

Pakistan’s women cricket team head coach Mark Coles resigned from his post, on October 4, citing family responsibilities and will return to New Zealand next week. Coles had a contract until the end of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Australia 2020 but he said that his family needs undivided ‘attention and focus’. “It is with a very heavy heart that I have decided to step down from my coaching role, something which I had enjoyed tremendously,” said Coles. “However, at this time my family responsibilities are such that they need my undivided attention and focus,” he added.

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Critical assignments ahead for the team

“I have been thinking about this for some time and taking into account Pakistan has some critical assignments in the next few months, I thought it was fair to the side I convey my decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board so that they have enough time to find a replacement,” said Coles. He said that he will miss working with the girls and will always remain their supporter and well-wisher. “I have no doubts that the Pakistan national women’s team will continue to make an upward progress,” Coles said.

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'Family has to come first'

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan appreciated Coles’ commitment to Pakistan and the women’s team despite pressing matters saying that he was fully aware of Coles’ personal reason. “I would like to place on record our thanks to Mark for his contribution during his tenure,” said Khan. “However, family has come first and in this relation, I understand and accept the reasons for his departure, though it is sad to see him leave at a time when the team has started to show signs of significant improvement,” he added.

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Coles journey with the team

Under Coles' tenure, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka and Windies but lost to Bangladesh, Australia, and New Zealand in 50-over cricket. Pakistan's national women’s team is currently in the fifth position in the ICC Women’s championship. The PCB has appointed Iqbal Imam as the interim head coach and will be assisting the team in the upcoming home series against Bangladesh. The series has been scheduled from October 26 to November 4.

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