(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] In the aftermath of Pakistan’s premature exit from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the PCB has orchestrated a comprehensive overhaul, instating Mohammad Hafeez, the former Pakistan all-rounder and recently-appointed Director of Cricket, as the head coach of the team for the upcoming tours of Australia and New Zealand.
This move amalgamates the roles of team director and head coach, thrusting the relatively inexperienced Hafeez into a dual responsibility.
Set to face a challenging itinerary, including a three-Test series against Australia and a five-match T20I series versus New Zealand, Hafeez steps into coaching without prior experience, eager to make a positive impact on this new chapter of his cricketing journey.
Hafeez, aged 43, retired from international cricket in January 2022, leaving behind a legacy that includes 218 ODIs, 119 T20Is and 55 Tests. Despite a career spanning from his Test debut against Bangladesh in 2003 to his final Test appearance against the Black Caps in December 2018, Hafeez never had the opportunity to showcase his skills on the Australian soil.
Following the disappointing World Cup campaign, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam decided to step down from his leadership role, paving the way for Shaheen Shah Afridi to take charge in T20Is, while Shan Masood assumed the captaincy for the Test side.
The restructuring extended beyond the playing field, with Pakistan’s team pace-bowling coach Morne Morkel tendering his resignation in the aftermath of the World Cup exit.
Furthermore, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s chief selector, resigned during the tournament, leading to the appointment of Wahab Riaz as his successor, tasked with shaping the national team for the upcoming pivotal tours.