A new chapter in Pakistan cricket appears to be on the horizon following the ODI World Cup, with significant changes unfolding within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Coming off the back of an underwhelming series, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is now casting a wide net to reel in foreign talent for the coaching and support staff roles ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2024.
The search for foreign expertise comes in the wake of the Pakistani team’s lackluster performance in tours of Australia and New Zealand, which yielded only one win out of eight matches. The series culminated in a complete whitewash by Australia, leaving the PCB in a state of introspection. Following these results, the PCB recently severed ties with Mohammad Hafeez, who served as the director of cricket and head coach during these tours.
As per insider information revealed to PTI, Naqvi is actively seeking to diversify the coaching team with a focus on non-domestic professionals. “The new Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi is keen to look at the available coaching options for Pakistan and is more inclined to appoint foreign coaches and support staff,” disclosed an anonymous source from within the PCB.
This strategic pivot to foreign coaching is not a mere consequence of recent struggles but also a reflection of concerns regarding prior engagements with international coaches like Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick, whose tenures were abruptly cut short after the ODI World Cup. Aware of potential reservations from candidates due to this history, Naqvi has commissioned chief selector Wahab Riaz to shortlist and engage with potential recruits for the backroom positions.
The shake-up isn’t limited to coaching and support roles. The captaincy itself is under the microscope, with Shaheen Afridi’s leadership credentials being called into question. Although Afridi has showcased prolific individual performances, his captaincy during the Pakistan Super League has not escaped scrutiny and raised doubts about his potential role at the helm in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
In addition to a new coaching staff, the upcoming changes might also affect the incumbents Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal, who were appointed by Hafeez, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their futures with the PCB.
It’s not just the professional relationships that are facing an overhaul. PCB’s internal dynamics are in flux as well, with reports from sources within suggesting tensions between Hafeez and Wahab Riaz. It is believed that Hafeez is discontented with Wahab for not advocating for his contract extension, despite their mutual proximity to the chairman.
By the end of March, a shift in the fabric of Pakistan’s cricket governance and team structure is expected. These anticipated changes underscore a period of reckoning and recalibration for Pakistan cricket, as it gears up for the T20 World Cup in 2024. The PCB appears dedicated to cultivating a team that can not only compete but also excel on the world stage by embracing diverse coaching philosophies and expertise. Whether this fresh approach will translate into success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the coming months will be critical for shaping the future of Pakistani cricket.
