Razzaq replaces Pont as Quetta's new bowling coach

Abdul Razzaq, the Pakistan all-rounder, is set to join the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Quetta Gladiators as their assistant and bowling coach, while replacing Ian Pont, the former Essex fast bowler.

The Englishman's one-year contract wasn't renewed as Razzaq joins in. While it was good news for the former Pakistan player, who took to Twitter to announce his new assignment, Ian Pont expressed his disappointment at not being notified by the Quetta management about the new development.

"I have just found out on social media, that I have been replaced as assistant and bowling coach for 2016 PSL runners-up, Quetta Gladiators. Naturally, I respect the franchise's decision to bring in someone else. That is their right," read a Twitter statement released by Pont on November 30 (Wednesday).

"I do find it highly unprofessional not to have seen contacted by anyone from Quetta Gladiators about this beforehand, and only to discover the fact from a tweet by Abdul Razzaq who has been roped in as my replacement," he further added.

"Worse still, it is extremely late for me to approach another franchise in the PSL and had I been told what Quetta was planning, I could have at least had the chances to do so. The PSL is a really good competition and it was Shahid Afridi who personally advised me to go into it. I hope it goes from strength to strength.

"Putting my own disappointment aside, I wish Abdul very well in his new role. I am sure the fans will welcome him. Perhaps he can go one better and help win the PSL. Cricket is rife with poor communication and muddled thinking. However, remaining professional is a prerequisite regardless," stated the 55-year-old.

It would be interesting to see if the Pakistan Cricket Board come out to address the issue. Razzaq, who represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, 265 ODIs and 32 T20Is, will be expected to maintain the high standards at Quetta, who finished the inaugural edition as runners-up.

The second edition begins in February 2017, with the final scheduled to be held in Lahore, Pakistan.