Morne Morkel resigns as Pakistan's bowling coach

The former South Africa international joined the national side on a six-month contract in June

Morne Morkel has resigned as Pakistan's bowling coach.

The former South Africa international joined the PCB on a six-month contract in June and had worked with the national side during victorious series against Sri Lanka (Test) and Afghanistan (ODI) as well as at the Asia Cup.

In a brief statement, the PCB confirmed his replacement would be announced "in due course".

Morkel's departure comes shortly after Pakistan's group-stage exit from the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

^{Pakistan bowed out of the World Cup in the group stage [Arun Sankar/Getty Images]}

^{Haris Rauf had a frustrating tournament, taking 16 wickets but maintaining an economy of 6.74 [Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images]}

Babar Azam's side finished in fifth position, winning four matches and losing five. Though they remained in contention for the semi-finals heading into the final round of matches, New Zealand's comprehensive five-wicket win over Sri Lanka left them needing to not only beat England but manufacture a heft increase in their net run rate – they lost by 93 runs.

Though the entire bowling department struggled, pace bowling was a particular problem for Pakistan in India.

They lost Naseem Shah to a shoulder injury on the eve of the tournament and in his absence, Shaheen Shah Afridi was overburdened in the powerplay. Haris Rauf, meanwhile, struggled with his length and often proved expensive.

Though they took 18 and 16 wickets, respectively, they conceded a combined 1,014 runs across the tournament, with Rauf twice leaking in excess of 80 runs and Shaheen returning figures of 0 for 90 against New Zealand.

Hassan Ali, who took nine wickets with an economy of 6.29 in six matches, fared little better.