The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under its new chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is reportedly looking towards foreign coaches to lead the national cricket team, marking a shift in their previous strategy. This inclination comes amidst the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand scheduled for April-May.
The board is facing challenges in securing foreign coaches due to their commitments in various T20 leagues around the world. However, reports suggest that the PCB is in talks with Darren Sammy and Mike Hesson, both currently involved in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.
Sammy, the former West Indies captain, is associated with Peshawar Zalmi, while Hesson, the former New Zealand coach, is coaching Islamabad United. The PCB’s interest extends beyond coaches, with Sir Vivian Richards being considered for a mentoring role.
This renewed focus on foreign expertise is a notable change from the PCB’s post-World Cup 2023 decision under the previous chairman, Zaka Ashraf. Back then, the board opted to remove all foreign coaches, including Andrew Puttick, Grant Bradburn, and Mickey Arthur, from their respective roles.
Pakistan cricket team prepares for T20 world cup
The proposed coaching structure for the upcoming matches against New Zealand is expected to be a blend of foreign and local expertise. Following the New Zealand series, Pakistan will embark on a tour to the Netherlands, Ireland, and England, culminating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 which will be held in the USA and West Indies.
While the PCB’s new direction emphasizes foreign coaches, the availability of these individuals remains a key hurdle. The success of this strategy will depend on securing their services amidst their existing commitments, as well as finding the right balance between foreign expertise and local knowledge to guide the national team to success.
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