BLACKCAPS ASSISTANT RONCHI DENIES RUMOURS OF LOOMING PAKISTAN COACHING APPOINTMENT

Blackcaps batting coach Luke Ronchi has refuted claims he is on the verge of signing on as Pakistan head coach.

Pakistan media reports the Pakistan Cricket Board is finalising discussions with the Kiwi, after negotiations with former NZ coach Mike Hesson, West Indian Darren Sammy and Aussie Shane Watson fell through.

The former international wicketkeeper-batter is reported to have turned down a previous offer for the position, but Newshub understands the reports out of Pakistan are news to Ronchi and NZ Cricket.

Dannevirke-born Ronchi, 42, is the only player to represent both New Zealand and Australia national teams, including four tests, 81 one-dayers and 29 T20 internationals for the Blackcaps, and highlighted by an unbeaten 170 off 99 balls against Sri Lanka at Dunedin in 2015.

Since retiring, he has coaching experience in the Pakistan Super League with Islamabad United and is due to tour Pakistan with the New Zealand team next month.

Former Blackcap Grant Bradburn was Pakistan coach under a two-year contract at last year's World Cup, but parted ways with the national team, after they failed to qualify out of the groupstage.

Former Pakistan player Mohammad Hafeez was coach during their tour to Australia and New Zealand this summer, but stepped down afterwards.

2024-03-27T22:04:10Z dg43tfdfdgfd