Naveed Akram Cheema reappointed as Team Manager of Pakistan Cricket Team ahead of Bangladesh series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named the team management for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, which is set to be played at home later this month. Naveed Akram Cheema has been appointed as the new manager of the Pakistan cricket team ahead of the Bangladesh Test series.

Naveed Akram Cheema served as team manager from December 2023 to January 2024. Pakistan lost the Test series 0-3 in Australia, followed by a 1-4 loss in the T20I series in New Zealand. Cheema was replaced by Mansoor Rana as team manager, with Wahab Riaz serving as the senior team manager.

Pakistan was knocked out in the group stage during the T20 World Cup 2024 under the captaincy of Babar Azam. The PCB made changes in the team management following the World Cup. Wahab Riaz and Mansoor Rana were reportedly removed from their positions due to concerns over team discipline.

Naveed Akram Cheema Appointed as Team Manager of Pakistan Team

According to the PCB’s statement, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reappointed Naveed Akram Cheema as the team manager. The PCB chairman made the decision to enforce stricter discipline measures. The PCB also announced the full management lineup for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh.

"Naveed Akram Cheema has replaced Wahab Riaz and Mansoor Rana as Team Manager of Pakistan Cricket Team. Mr Cheema is said to be very strict for the players in terms of following discipline. No late nights! No more private ceremonies during national duty!" a sports journalist from Pakistan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

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Jason Gillespie to Head Coach Pakistan in Test Series vs Bangladesh

Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been appointed as the head coach. Gillespie brings coaching experience from both domestic and international levels. Former Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will serve as the Assistant Coach. Azhar Mahmood will provide support to Gillespie in coaching.

Tim Nelson has been appointed as the High-Performance Coach. Nelson will focus on improving players' physical and mental conditioning and performance at peak levels. Cliff Deacon will join as the team’s physiotherapist. Deacon will handle injury management and maintain players' physical health.

The Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will commence on August 21 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The second Test will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from August 30 to September 3. Both matches are part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.

The Pakistan Cricket Board recently announced that the second Test match of the upcoming series against Bangladesh will be played behind closed doors. The PCB decided due to ongoing renovation at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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