The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently made a significant decision by naming Yasir Arafat, a former all-rounder, as the high-performance coach for the national team. This appointment comes ahead of Pakistan's five-match T20 series against New Zealand next month.
Yasir, who is currently based in London, will soon travel to Lahore before joining the Pakistan white-ball players for their series in New Zealand, which is scheduled to begin on January 12. This series is of particular importance as it serves as a preparatory phase for the ICC World Cup, set to be held in the West Indies and the USA next year.
Yasir Arafat, a seasoned cricketer with experience in both tests and white-ball games, has a notable history with the Pakistan cricket team. He was part of the squad that triumphed in the ICC World T20 in England in 2009. His application for the position of bowling coach earlier this year, when Mickey Arthur was being considered for the role of head coach, underscores his longstanding commitment to the game. As a qualified coach, Yasir has accumulated a wealth of experience through his coaching stints in New Zealand and England, bringing a global perspective to his new role.
"Yasir’s appointment came about on the recommendation of the national team’s director Muhammad Hafeez who is calling the shots in Australia even above captain, Shah Masood," the source said.
Yasir's appointment marks the fifth coaching change for the Pakistan team since Hafeez assumed the role of Director. Under Hafeez's direction, the team has seen several coaching transitions, including the appointments of Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal as fast and spin bowling coaches, respectively. Additionally, Adam Hollioake and Simon Helmut were brought on board for short-term roles as batting coach and high-performance coach during the team's three-Test series in Australia.
The selection of Yasir Arafat as high-performance coach is a strategic move by the PCB, aiming to bolster the team's preparations for the upcoming T20 series and the World Cup. His experience as a player and coach, both domestically and internationally, is expected to provide valuable insights and guidance to the Pakistani squad. As the team gears up for the series in New Zealand, Yasir's expertise will be crucial in shaping their performance and strategies.
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