PCB likely to announce new batting coach ahead of Zimbabwe, South Africa series

Pakistan’s struggles with the bat in Australia highlighted the urgency for this appointment

PHOTO: AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is addressing the team’s persistent batting issues, particularly evident during their recent T20I series against Australia, by appointing Shahid Aslam as the permanent batting coach.

Reliable sources indicate that Shahid Aslam, a seasoned figure in Pakistan cricket, is poised to take up a key role on the recommendation of newly-appointed white-ball head coach Aaqib Javed. His tenure is expected to commence with Pakistan’s upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Before this, Azhar Mahmood served as part of the team management, working as an assistant coach alongside former white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten.

Known for his dedication and technical expertise, Shahid Aslam has previously served in the team’s support staff. He is particularly renowned for his ability to improve players’ skills through intensive throwdown sessions, which have been instrumental in honing the techniques of several top-order batsmen.

Pakistan’s struggles with the bat in Australia highlighted the urgency for this appointment. In the three-match T20 series, Usman Khan stood out as the sole batsman to score a half-century, managing a total of 59 runs. Captain Babar Azam, meanwhile, recorded 47 runs, including a promising 41-run knock in the final clash against the Kangaroos.

Notably, following the conclusion of the white-ball series against Australia, Pakistan will travel to Zimbabwe for a scheduled three-match ODI and T20I series.

Pakistan ODI Squad for Zimbabwe tour: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir

Pakistan T20I Squad Zimbabwe tour: Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan

Pakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs, three T20Is)