Pakistan’s bowling coach Waqar Younis is all set to fly back to Pakistan after the first Test match against New Zealand. The two-match Test series between both the sides is slated, to begin with, the Boxing Day on December 26.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) granted the former a leave for him to be able to spend time with his family. Waqar will leave the team after the conclusion of the first Test match at Mount Maunganui in order to spend time with his family. The 49-year-old has been away from his family since the last six months due to the national team’s hectic international schedule.
“Considering Waqar has not seen his family since June and taking into account that our home series against South Africa, which follows the series against New Zealand, doesn’t finish until 14 February, we took a pragmatic view of his request and have allowed him to return home early so that he can spend additional time with his wife and children,” Mansoor Rana, the Pakistan team manager, said.
He will then reunite with the entire team after the conclusion of the New Zealand tour on January 7. After their return from New Zealand, the side will start preparing for the home series against South Africa.
“For all of us, families always come first and we have in the past made similar exemptions so that our team members are able to achieve the correct work-life balance.” Rana added.
Pakistan registered a win in the final T20I match against New Zealand despite losing the three-match T20I series by 2-1. Mohammad Rizwan helped his side win the third game by smashing match-winning 89 runs off just 59 balls and helped Pakistan win by 4 wickets.
