LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face difficulty in roping in renowned foreign coaches for the national men’s side, according to sources.
The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB is interested in appointing a strong coaching staff for the cricket team. However, appointing well-known coaches would be a tall order since most of them are working with leagues all over the world.
In order to fill the vacancy in time for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand at home, the PCB is also considering the possibility of appointing local coaches along with foreign consultants.
The five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is likely to be played in the second week of April, according to sources.
A development regarding coaching appointments is expected next week, sources added.
It must be noted Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick, who were transferred to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore after a change in their portfolios in November 2023, left their respective positions in January this year.
In April 2023, Arthur was named Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team while Bradburn was roped in as head coach of the Pakistan national men’s side earlier last year. Former South Africa cricketer Puttick worked as batting coach since April 2023.
The decision was taken amicably between all the parties involved, according to PCB.
Pakistan men’s Future Tours Programme for 2024
April – New Zealand to Pakistan (5 T20Is)
May – Pakistan to the Netherlands (three T20Is), Ireland (two T20Is) and England (four T20Is)
June – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup USA/West Indies 2024
August – Bangladesh in Pakistan (two Tests)
October – England in Pakistan (three Tests)
November – Pakistan to Australia (three ODIs and three T20Is)
November/December – Pakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs and three T20Is)
December/January – Pakistan to South Africa (two Tests, three ODIs, three T20Is)
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
