Lahore: Mark Coles has stepped down as Pakistan’s national women’s team head coach citing family reasons and will be returning to New Zealand next week.
Coles took over the responsibilities in October 2017 and had a contract until the end of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Australia 2020 to be held from 21 February to 8 March.
Mark Coles said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I have decided to step down from my coaching role, something which I had enjoyed tremendously. However, at this time my family responsibilities are such that they need my undivided attention and focus.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “I am fully aware of Mark’s personal reasons and appreciate that despite pressing matters, he remained committed to Pakistan and the national women’s team. I would like to place on record our thanks to Mark for his contribution during his tenure.
The Pakistan national women’s team achieved major results during Coles’ tenure as head coach.
They are presently sitting fifth in the ICC Women’s Championship and have an outstanding chance of qualifying directly for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021.
Under his watch in 50-over cricket, Pakistan lost 2-1 to New Zealand, beat Sri Lanka 3-0, lost 1-0 to Bangladesh, lost 3-0 to Australia, defeated the West Indies 2-1 and drew 1-1 with South Africa.
In the shortest format this year, Pakistan women narrowly lost 2-1 (in Super Over) to the West Indies and 3-2 to South Africa.
Also during his time, Sana Mir became the most successful ODI spinner in the world, Javeria Khan and Bismah Maroof were named to lead a multi-nation Women’s Global Development squad and Nida Dar became the first Pakistan woman player to earn a contract in the WBBL.
Meanwhile, the PCB has appointed batting coach Iqbal Imam as interim head coach for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, which will be played from 26 October to 4 November in Lahore.
The recruitment process for Coles’ successor will commence shortly.