Former Test Captain Mohammad Hafeez Appointed As Director Of Pakistan Men’s Cricket. Former Test captain Mohammad Hafeez has assumed the role of Director for the Pakistan men’s cricket team, a decision made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the removal of the coaching staff, including director Mickey Arthur, head coach Grant Bradburn, and batting coach Andrew Puttick.
The discharged coaches will remain involved at the National Cricket Academy, with the announcement of the new coaching staff for the upcoming series in Australia and New Zealand forthcoming. Bowling coach Morne Morkel resigned earlier this week, prompting Mohammad Hafeez to explore potential coaching staff roles with local cricketers. Meanwhile, Mohammad Hafeez (Director) has been actively contacting local cricket players to explore the possibility of filling the position of coach for the Men in Green.
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On another front, Babar Azam has chosen to step down as captain across all formats following a meeting with PCB Chairman Management Committee Zaka Ashraf held today at the Pakistan Cricket Board headquarters in Lahore.
Former Test captain Mohammad Hafeez, now the Director of the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team, brings his extensive experience from 55 Tests, 218 ODIs, and 119 T20Is. Having scored 12,780 runs and taken 253 wickets, Hafeez, a key figure in Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2017, previously served on the PCB Cricket Technical Committee.
The PCB has reshaped coaching roles, with all coaches continuing at the National Cricket Academy. The unveiling of the new coaching staff for the upcoming series in Australia and New Zealand is on the horizon, signifying a strategic shift in the management of Pakistan cricket.
Zaka Ashraf Expresses Support For Babar Azam and New Pakistan Captain
Babar Azam’s resignation as captain was a result of a meeting with Zaka Ashraf at the PCB headquarters. While Zaka Ashraf continues as Test captain, Babar steps down, supported by the PCB after consulting with his family.
Zaka Ashraf, PCB Management Committee Chairman, emphasises Babar Azam’s world-class status and expresses continued support for his playing career. Recognizing Babar as a valuable asset, Zaka highlights his dedication and skill, portraying him as a role model for the current generation.
We aspire to witness his growth as an outstanding batter, and now, liberated from the captaincy responsibilities, he can concentrate more on his performances to achieve even greater heights. We honour his decision and pledge unwavering support. Simultaneously, the PCB has revealed that Shaheen Shah Afridi will take on the role of T20I captain, while Shan Masood has been appointed as the Test captain for the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team.
Shan is appointed as captain until the conclusion of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship. His inaugural duty as captain involves leading Pakistan in a three-match Test series against Australia, commencing on December 14 in Australia. Additionally, the left-arm bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, will embark on his captaincy role in the Pakistan Men’s Team during the five-match T20I series in New Zealand, scheduled from January 12 to 21.
