Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel resigns after World Cup exit

Islamabad: Pakistan have announced that bowling coach Morne Morkel has stepped down following the team’s group-stage exit at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

A defeat to England on Saturday in their ninth and final group match at the tournament ensured that Pakistan finished outside of the top four.

And, two days later, Morkel has left the set-up, an ICC report on Monday said.

“Morne Morkel has resigned as the bowling coach of the Pakistan Men’s team,” an official statement said.

“The former South Africa fast bowler joined the Pakistan team on a six-month contract in June this year," it said.

“Pakistan Cricket Board will announce his replacement in due course,” the statement added.

Pakistan’s men’s team return to competitive action with a Test series in Australia in December.

Morkel's first role with Pakistan was to help the team to a 2-0 Test series win away in Sri Lanka.

And the South African was then part of the coaching team that saw Pakistan reach the final four of the Asia Cup and rise to number one in the ODI Rankings.

However, five defeats from nine games saw Pakistan underperform in the Cricket World Cup, finishing fifth in the group standings and missing out on a semi-final spot. (UNI)