Morkel was contracted until the end of the year, but it is understood he was expected to reevaluate after the World Cup taking his IPL and SA20 commitments into account. Those commitments made it untenable for him to continue through the Australia tour, with the PCB telling ESPNcricinfo he enjoyed his time in Pakistan cricket and wished it could have continued.

At the World Cup, Pakistan began with two wins but lost steam quickly, losing four consecutive matches for the first time in their World Cup history, and finishing with a limp defeat to England that officially confirmed their exit. They finished fifth for the second consecutive World Cup, winning four games and losing five.

It was presumed that Morkel, who is now an Australian citizen, might continue for Pakistan's next assignment - an away tour of Australia for three Test matches in December and January - but that has changed now.