(Cricket News) Following Pakistan’s disastrous performance at the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, head coach Grant Bradburn and batting coach Andrew Puttick are set to be fired, and bowling coach Morne Morkel has already quit.
The National Cricket Academy will continue to employ all of the instructors, even if the PCB will eventually announce the new coaching staff for the upcoming series in Australia and New Zealand. To replace the role of Men in Green coach, Mohammad Hafeez has been contacting local cricket players in the meantime. On the other side, following a meeting with PCB Chairman Management Committee Zaka Ashraf today at the PCB headquarters in Lahore, Babar Azam made the decision to step down as captain across formats.
Zaka Ashraf was asked to continue as Test captain, but he lost his leadership role in white-ball cricket so he could focus on only one format. After consulting with his family, Babar decided to step down, and PCB is in favor of his decision.
Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, said “We want Baber Azam to keep being a successful player because he is a truly world-class talent. He is among Pakistan’s all-time greatest batters. He is a resource for us, and we will always be there for him. His ability and dedication are demonstrated by his hitting prowess. For the current generation, he serves as an inspiration.
“We want to see him develop into a great batter, and now that he isn’t carrying the extra weight of captain, he can concentrate more on improving his performances. We honour his choice and shall support him going forward.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team has picked Shan Masood as the Test captain and Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20I skipper, according to PCB.
Up to the end of the ICC World Test Championship in 2023–2025, Shan will lead the team. Leading Australia in a three-match Test series that starts in Australia on December 14 will be Shan’s first assignment as captain. The left-arm bowler Shaheen Shah will be leading the Pakistan Men’s Team for the first time in their five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand from January 12–21.
