Mark Coles cites personal reasons as he steps down from Pakistan Women’s head coach role

Coles has overseen a period of progress for his side, with Pakistan currently sitting fifth in the ICC Women’s Championship table, on the brink of qualifying for the 2021 Women’s Cricket World Cup. 2019 has witnessed an ODI series defeat of West Indies and a draw with South Africa – a rubber which included a thrilling tie – two results which indicate the team is moving in the right direction, and while a landmark T20I achievement has been less forthcoming, narrow reverses at the hands of those same two opposition suggest such might not be far away.

His contract was due to go on until the end of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia in February and March 2020, but he will instead fly back to New Zealand, due to “family responsibilities”.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I have decided to step down from my coaching role, something which I had enjoyed tremendously,” he said. “However, at this time my family responsibilities are such that they need my undivided attention and focus.

“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.”

PCB chief executive Wasim Khan praised Coles as he left his role. “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,” he said. “I would like to place on record our thanks to Mark for his contribution during his tenure.

“But family has to 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.”

The search for Coles’ successor is yet to get underway.