In a massive overhaul of the management group, Pakistan Cricket Board removed their entire coaching staff, following a meeting between PCB management committee chairman Zaka Ashraf and outgoing captain Babar Azam.
The biggest headline from the meeting was Babar Azam’s resignation: he made the decision public through a social media post on Wednesday evening. A PCB press release, titled ‘Babar Azam meets Chairman PCB Management Committee’ detailed several changes following their exit from the 2023 World Cup.
Former 🇵🇰 captain Mohammad Hafeez has been given the responsibility of Director – Pakistan Men's Cricket Team.
The PCB has changed the portfolio of the Pakistan coaching staff. All coaches will continue to work in National Cricket Academy while PCB will announce the new coaching… pic.twitter.com/zwwnsj5lzs
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 15, 2023
Coaching staff rejig
As a footnote in the press release, the PCB provided a significant update to the coaching staff, revealing that the entire setup, including their director of cricket Mickey Arthur, had been removed from the national team. The statement said:
“Update on team coaching staff: The PCB has changed the portfolio of the entire coaching staff including Director Cricket Mickey Arthur. All coaches will continue to work in National Cricket Academy while PCB will announce the new coaching staff in due course for the upcoming series in Australia and New Zealand.”
Hafeez new director
Later, it was made public that Mohammad Hafeez has been made the new director of the men’s team, reiterating that a new coaching staff would be selected for the tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Arthur, in particular, was under fire after a series of statements during the World Cup, including a dig at PCB itself. “They (PCB) are going to be blaming everybody, don’t worry. It’s just the way of the world,” Arthur said at the end of Pakistan’s one-wicket loss to South Africa.
Babar’s resignation was preceded by bowling coach Morne Morkel stepping down. Earlier, chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq exited as well.
🗣️ Newly appointed Test captain @shani_official shares his views on the road ahead. pic.twitter.com/z2Bl81g4Ez
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 15, 2023
“We want to see him grow as a great batter and now without his additional burden of the captaincy, he can focus more on his performances to reach even greater heights,” Ashraf was quoted as saying. “We respect his decision and will continue to back him.”
The PCB also announced Shan Masood as the new Test captain, with Shaheen Afridi taking over as T20I skipper.
