Mohammad Yousuf appointed as Pakistan's Under 19 cricket head coach ahead of major tournaments

Pakistan batting coach Mohammad Yousuf attends a team practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on February 28, 2022. (AFP)

• Under 19 cricket is important in building the national squad since this is where future cricket stars are identified
• A distinguished batter, Yousuf’s appointment comes ahead of Under 19 Asia and ICC World Cup tournaments

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday the appointment of former Test captain Mohammad Yousuf as head coach of the Under 19 squad.
The decision comes in the wake of Pakistan's national team's disappointing World Cup campaign, which saw them exit at the group stage, finishing fifth in the standings.
The tournament prompted changes in the team and its management, following an outcry from cricket fans across the country.
Under 19 cricket is important for Pakistan in building the national squad since this is where future cricket stars are identified.
“I am pleased to join as Pakistan U19 head coach and feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to contribute to Pakistan cricket by Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf,” Yousuf was quoted as saying in a PCB statement.
“I am eagerly looking forward to the upcoming U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup tournaments, which are crucial to the players’ growth and we will be aiming to do our best in these events,” he added.
Yousuf previously served as batting coach of the Pakistan Men’s Team and at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
He is one of the country’s most distinguished batters, having scored 7,530 runs in Test matches and 9,720 in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in a career that spanned from 1998 to 2010.
He also holds the record for the most Test runs in a calendar year, amassing 1,788 runs in 2006.
“Having had the privilege of working with the senior men’s side, I will bring my coaching experience to the U19 set-up, providing a nurturing environment for the young talents to thrive and make a mark on the international level,” he said.
“Harnessing the skills of young players is crucial for Pakistan cricket and I am dedicated to fulfilling my responsibility in helping identify, improve and nurture future stars,” he added.
At the Under 19 level, players receive structured training and coaching, which is viewed as crucial for their development.
The stage allows them to hone their skills, understand the nuances of the game, gain international exposure and prepare for the pressures of the game.