The former skipper applied for the role on deadline day. © Getty

Misbah-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan skipper, has stepped down from the PCB Cricket Committee in order to apply for the post of the national head coach, it was announced on Monday (August 26) - the deadline for the application for the role.

Misbah met Zakir Khan, PCB Director - International Cricket, on Monday afternoon and informed him of his decision, following which he formally applied for the head coach's role.

"It has been interesting to see my name being mentioned as a future head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, but the fact is I only made the decision today," Misbah said. "I am applying for the head coach's role fully aware that the competition will be tough as I envisage there will be a few more very competent and highly qualified people applying for one of the most challenging jobs in the game.

"In saying so, I have to admit it is everyone's dream to coach Pakistan cricket team, which has tremendous potential to be a force to be reckoned with across all formats."

The process for the appointment of the coach is expected to get over by early September so that the new team management can assume their roles well in time to prepare the team for the upcoming season, starting with the limited overs home series against Sri Lanka, which is set to begin on September 27.