ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced a refreshed team management line-up ahead of the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, introducing new appointments for the roles of batting and bowling coaches.
Notably absent from the management setup is assistant coach Azhar Mehmood, who had been widely tipped as a leading candidate for the head coach position of the national side.
Just a month ago, Azhar Mehmood had publicly expressed his interest in the top role, stating in an interview: “I’m definitely going to apply for the Pakistan team head coach role.”
However, he has missed out on the position, with former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson named as the new head coach.
The PCB has introduced several changes to the coaching staff. Former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke has been appointed as the bowling coach, while Hanif Malik has taken on the role of batting coach.
Noffke’s career
Noffke, 47, who represented Australia in one ODI and two T20 Internationals over a 12-year playing career, brings a wealth of coaching experience.
He is well-regarded for his coaching work, including his tenure with the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.
Mohammad Masroor and Cliffe Deacon continue in their roles as fielding coach and physiotherapist, respectively.
Imranullah has been brought in as the strength and conditioning coach, while Naveed Akram Cheema will serve as team manager.
It is worth noting that all three matches of the T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The series is set to begin on 28 May, with the second and third fixtures taking place on 30 May and 1 June.
Pakistan Team Management for Bangladesh Series
Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Mohammad Masroor (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Imran Ullah (strength & conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (team analyst), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Muhammad Ehsan (masseur), Irtaza Kumail (security manager) and Syed Naeem Ahmed (media manager)
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh T20Is
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), and Saim Ayub.
