ISLAMABAD: Pakistan women’s cricket coach Mark Coles applied for India women head coaching role but withdrew his application citing a ‘confusion’, it has emerged. The position of head coach of the Indian women team opened up after the BCCI decided against handing an extension to interim head coach Ramesh Powar, whose contract expired on November 30. One of the applicants was the incumbent Pakistan women head coach Coles, who was shortlisted and contacted for an interview. However, he withdrew the application ascribing it to a “confusion” arising from a third-party agent. “There is some confusion about this… through a third party,” Coles was quoted a saying, adding that he had already informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about his application reaching the BCCI and, subsequently, apprised both the boards of his withdrawal. “I have withdrawn, and am committed to Pakistan cricket and trying to get the team to be the best they can be.” Coles is contracted with the PCB until 2020. He is the first foreigner to be roped in as a Pakistan women coach when he was handed the job in September last year “on a trial basis”. His appointment came after a dismal performance by Pakistan in Women’s World Cup 2017 under the coaching of Sabhi Azhar. Published in Daily Times, December 20th2018.