Pakistan set to appoint local coaches for New Zealand T20Is; PCB close to finalizing foreign coaches

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has almost decided to appoint the local coaches for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting on April 18 in Rawalpindi.

Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq are among the former Pakistan’s cricketers who are considered for coaching roles, and they are expected to join the coaching staff for the home series against the Black Caps.

Meanwhile, the PCB is close to securing the services of former South African batter Gary Kirsten as the white-ball head coach and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie as the red-ball head coach for the Pakistan national cricket team.

Local coaches to work with the Pakistan team for the T20I series against New Zealand

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that the availability of foreign coaches for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand depends on finalizing their appointments with the board.

Mohsin Naqvi was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan: “It depends on if we are able to finalize their (foreign coaches) appointment before the series.”

On the other hand, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood is being considered a leading contender for the assistant coach position with the national team. Mahmood recently worked as the bowling coach for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 champions, Islamabad United.

Also Read: Babar Azam's bold choice stirs controversy, as Pakistan captain prefers Naseem Shah over Jasprit Bumrah for crunch situation in T20Is

Notably, the New Zealand cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 14 for the five-match T20I series. Three matches of the T20I series will be held in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two matches are scheduled in Lahore on April 18, 20, 21, 25, and 27, respectively.

PCB to unveil the squad for the New Zealand T20I series on Tuesday

According to Geo News, the Pakistan selectors are likely to unveil the squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand on Tuesday, April 9. Originally, the team was set to announce on Monday, but it was postponed because the national players are set to attend an iftar dinner hosted by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir tonight.

The Pakistan squad, which is likely to be an 18-member squad, is expected to assemble in Islamabad on April 14 in preparation for the T20I series against New Zealand. It is being said that Haris Rauf, who suffered a shoulder injury during the PSL 2024, isn’t fully fit and will miss the T20I series.

Well, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Zaman Khan are likely to be part of the 18-member squad for the home series.

Furthermore, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Abbas Afridi are likely to secure spots in the 18-member squad for the T20I series against the Black Caps.

Have a look at New Zealand’s squad for Pakistan tour:

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi.