Mike Hesson and Daren Sammy, currently coaching Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, are among the candidates for the Pakistan Cricket Team Coach, as per sources.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also considering Sir Vivian Richards for a mentorship role.
PCB, led by Mohsin Naqvi, aims to assemble a strong coaching staff for the national team. However, hiring renowned coaches might be challenging due to their commitments in various leagues worldwide.
To ensure timely appointment ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand at home in April, PCB is exploring the option of appointing local coaches alongside foreign consultants.
The T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled for the second week of April, according to sources.
Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick, who were transferred to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore in November 2023, left their positions in January this year.
In April 2023, Arthur was appointed Director of the Pakistan Cricket Team Coach, while Bradburn became head coach of the Pakistan national men’s team earlier last year. Former South Africa cricketer Puttick served as batting coach since April 2023.
The decision to part ways was mutually agreed upon, according to PCB.
Pakistan Men’s Future Tours Programme for 2024 includes:
- April: New Zealand to Pakistan (5 T20Is)
- May: Pakistan to the Netherlands (3 T20Is), Ireland (2 T20Is), and England (4 T20Is)
- June: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup USA/West Indies 2024
- August: Bangladesh in Pakistan (2 Tests)
- October: England in Pakistan (3 Tests)
- November: Pakistan to Australia (3 ODIs and 3 T20Is)
- November/December: Pakistan to Zimbabwe (3 ODIs and 3 T20Is)
- December/January: Pakistan to South Africa (2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is)