LAHORE: Newly-appointed national cricket team bowling coach Morne Morkel has been unable to secure a visa for Pakistan.
The former South African pacer was expected to join the team for the ongoing training camp for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
Morkel, who is currently residing in Australia, was expected to arrive in Karachi before the upcoming tour. Morkel was unable to participate in the training camp after the visa was delayed.
The Pakistan embassy did not issue the visa to Morkel due to the extended Eid-ul-Azha holidays and other weekly holidays. Morkel will now join the Pakistan cricket team directly in Sri Lanka for the Test series.
Last month, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the appointment of Morne Morkel as the national side’s bowling coach. PCB said he has joined the national side on a six-month contract.
During his international career, Morkel took 309 wickets in 86 Tests, 188 wickets in 117 ODIs and 47 scalps in 44 T20Is during hi international career. His last international game was in Lahore for World XI against Pakistan in September 2017.
The cricket board announced 16-member squad for the Test series. Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has returned to the Pakistan’s Test squad. Pakistan will depart for Sri Lanka on 9 July.
