ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to appoint local coaches for the upcoming T20I series against the visiting New Zealand team, according to The News.
Former cricketers Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Yousuf are likely to be part of the coaching staff for the series, which begins on April 18.
“There are good chances that Mohammad Yousuf and another member of the selection committee, most probably Abdul Razzaq, would be asked to look after the team’s coaching during the series against New Zealand allowing the PCB to interview, shortlist, and finalise the name of foreign coach by the end of April,” a source revealed.
“In all probabilities Pakistan would have a new foreign coach before the start of the tour to Ireland and England for the T20 series,” the source confirmed.
Meanwhile, former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has emerged as a strong contender for the role of assistant coach of the Pakistan men’s national team.
Mahmood is currently the bowling coach of Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Islamabad United. He has also served in the same role for the national side in the past.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had issued an advertisement on Saturday for the role of assistant coach, who will provide support to the red-ball and white-ball coach. The applicants for the role must possess a minimum of Level 2 coaching accreditation and three years of experience with an international team, franchise or a domestic side.
Interested candidates may apply by latest 5pm on April 20, according to the PCB's advertisement.
It must be noted that former South African batter Gary Kirsten and ex-Australian pacer Jason Gillespie have been finalised by the PCB for the role of white-ball and red-ball head coach, respectively, for the national men’s side, Geo News reported on Saturday citing sources.
The decision will be announced after all the formalities have been completed as the PCB has advertised the posts on its website and sought applications till April 15, sources added.
Abdul Mohi Shah Abdul Mohi Shah is a senior reporter for The News