Bowling coach Morne Morkel has resigned from his role with the Pakistan men’s cricket team, making him the first to leave the coaching staff after the team’s exit from the World Cup in India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed his resignation, stating that Morkel, who was on a six-month contract since June, has decided to step down.

The PCB plans to announce his replacement before the team embarks on a three-Test tour of Australia next month. According to Pakistan’s team director, Mickey Arthur, Morkel’s departure is due to time constraints caused by his commitments with other leagues. Despite enjoying his time with the team, Morkel couldn’t continue beyond his contract, which was set to conclude in January 2024.

Following their 93-run defeat against England in Kolkata, Pakistan failed to reach the World Cup semi-finals, finishing with five losses and four wins. Both captain Babar Azam and team director Mickey Arthur face criticism for the team’s underwhelming performance. Pakistan has not made it to the World Cup semi-finals in the past six tournaments.. Arthur, whose head coach contract wasn’t renewed after the 2019 campaign, is back for a second spell, this time as the team director.