How Pakistan’s new cricket coaches can approach tough tasks ahead

How Pakistan’s new cricket coaches can approach tough tasks ahead
Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, right, consoles batting partner Naseem Shah as they leave the field after their loss in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Westbury, New York, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP)
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Updated 23 June 2024
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How Pakistan’s new cricket coaches can approach tough tasks ahead

How Pakistan’s new cricket coaches can approach tough tasks ahead
  • The two coaches need to lead from the front and protect the players from attacks by ex-cricketers
  • The coaches should also set up clear expectations within the team to make player perform better

NEW YORK: How many times have we heard the words inconsistent, unpredictable and chaotic used to describe the Pakistan men’s cricket team’s performances over the years?

The answer is numerous, although usually the description is followed by the qualification that the team are at their most dangerous when in that state.

In the wake of the team’s failure to progress to the Super 8s stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, the mood is different and much darker.

Inconsistency, unpredictability and chaos did not translate into becoming a dangerous opponent. Nor should it, because it is much more likely that a team characterized as consistent, hardworking and united will perform best.

In my view, it is time for those involved in Pakistan’s cricket world to step away from the myth surrounding what it takes to galvanize the team. In its place ought to be a realization that the raw talent that once helped them produce magical moments is not being harnessed properly and that teams in other countries have adopted a more adventurous style of playing cricket.

The big question is how can Pakistan achieve such a transformation? There is nothing new about the current environment. Issues with chairmen and selection have abounded over the years, leading to accusations of nepotism and favoritism. However, I believe that there is reason to be hopeful.

The two new coaches, Gary Kirsten for white ball cricket and Jason Gillespie for red ball, are in positions which allow them to make decisions which are likely to be backed unconditionally by the hierarchy, even if it is just to save face for themselves.

Hopefully, the coaches will take full advantage of this opportunity to set their paths immediately. It is not an understatement to suggest that they are set for the hardest task of their careers. I was coached by Gillespie at Yorkshire and know his style is to be calm, which will be of help in this task. He prefers to let players lead while occupying a supporting act. From a distance, Kirsten seems to have a similar style, evidenced by his time with India in winning the 2011 World Cup under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.

Anyone who has followed the men in green will be very aware of all the issues with the team environment, so those must be addressed first. It is a very insecure one with a lot of noise.

Personally, I would not have chosen the two-coach policy. These players need simple and consistent messaging to be able to go out and express themselves. However, given that two coaches are in place, it will be especially important for them to work together and build a trusted backroom staff body which is the same across the formats. Time is of the essence to put this in place as pressure to improve both team and individual performances will build quickly. In my view, the environment needs freshening and unnecessary baggage which has built up over the last couple of years needs removing.

One of the most difficult and contentious issues is that of the captaincy. In the current situation, I would play down the power and importance of the captain. This goes against my natural grain but, for the immediate future, the coach needs to be the figurehead and lead. Obviously, there still needs to be a captain, ideally across formats, so as to reduce noise and deliver one simple message. Pakistan’s next white ball match is not until early November in Australia, so there is no need for immediate action. However, there are two Tests with Bangladesh to be hosted in August. Shan Masood is the current captain.

Another contentious issue is the selection process and, within it, the role of Wahab Riaz. It was only on Mar. 24 that the current seven-member selection committee was established. This included Riaz, who had previously acted as chair, but that title was removed, Riaz remaining as a committee member. Somewhat impracticably, each member carried an equal vote from which a majority decision would be formed. How this works in practice is unclear.

In my view, the experiment should be ditched, with the coaches having the final say in a reduced committee. Riaz, who is believed to be close to the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) chair, was senior team manager during the World Cup, despite there being a team manager and a coach! There is a public perception that Riaz appears to wield too much influence. It remains to be seen if the review of Pakistan’s World Cup performance will recommend that it is reduced. The results are expected shortly.

The first requirement for team selection will come with the Bangladesh Tests. Gillespie will oversee a training camp ahead of these matches to prepare both the national and A teams. He has already said that “we can’t rely on the same 11 players to play day in and day out. We need to make sure that we’ve got a squad mentality.”

Surprisingly, the talent pool appears to be small with a lack of ready-made replacements in some positions, so there is a need to identify and back those with the necessary character and skill. One of the options is Mohammad Haris. He has the modern-day approach which surely needs to be injected into the team’s approach and pursued all the way to the next T20 World Cup. Irfan Khan Niazi is another young dynamo who could grow into a good finisher, whilst investment in batter Omair Yousuf could prove beneficial.

In the fast-bowling department, Shaheen Shah Afridi needs the necessary support to return to basics and improve his performance. In my view, he would be advised to forget about the captaincy to concentrate on taking wickets and being a match winner. Naseem Shah needs protection and support as he appears to be on the right path to being world class. I expect Gillespie to provide those levels of support for both players.

Leg-spinner Usama Mir would have been in my World Cup squad, whilst Mehran Mumtaz has the ability to be the all-format No. 1 spinner. Shadab Khan needs time to rediscover his bowling skills. He has been brilliant as a batter for Islamabad but that seems to have skewed his thought processes in international cricket. He has succeeded before and I have no doubt he will again, but he is another who needs to go back to basics.

My suggested change in approach for both coaches may not be very natural for either man. Both prefer to have a strong captain who takes the lead while they create an environment which encourages the players to make their own decisions.

In the short term, my view is that the coaches need to lead from the front, dealing with the noise and protecting their players from the inevitable attacks by ex-players, pundits and fans. Internally, they are advised to set out clear expectations. The team must become the priority in what is an insecure culture which makes the players think more about personal performances.

The two men need to settle the players in their minds through a combination of hand holding and tough love. Hopefully, a period of calm and support will create a better environment for success.


Pakistan, Turkiye demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza, separate state for Palestinians 

Pakistan, Turkiye demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza, separate state for Palestinians 
Updated 22 April 2025
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Pakistan, Turkiye demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza, separate state for Palestinians 

Pakistan, Turkiye demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza, separate state for Palestinians 
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara
  • Both leaders discuss cooperation in energy, mining, military and defense, says Sharif’s office

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, reiterating their demand for the establishment of a separate and independent state for the people of Palestine. 

Sharif is in Ankara on a two-day official visit to discuss bilateral ties between the two states, the regional situation and economic opportunities. 

Pakistan and Turkiye have both repeatedly condemned Israel for its military campaign in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 51,000 Palestinians since October 2023. 

“We strongly condemn the brutal killings of over 50,000 innocent Palestinians, including women and children,” Sharif said during a joint press conference with Erdogan.

“We have called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people. We renewed our call for a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” he added.

Erdogan praised Pakistan for always adopting a “resolute” stance on the Palestinian issue, noting that Islamabad had given one of the strongest reactions to the ongoing “genocide” in Gaza. 

“We will continue to work together toward the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the basis of 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital and on the basis of its territorial integrity,” the Turkish president said. 

Erdogan urged Turkish investors to develop joint business projects in Pakistan, saying that he discussed promoting mutual investments in Pakistan with Sharif and the allocation of a free economic zone for Turkish companies in the South Asian country. 

“We wish to further develop our relations in the fields of military and defense industry through joint projects,” he said. 

In a separate statement, Sharif’s office said he discussed the importance of enhancing economic collaboration with Turkiye, especially through joint ventures and bilateral investments, with Erdogan. 

The Prime Minister’s Office said Sharif highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the fields of energy and mining, joint ventures in defense and agri production. 

The PMO said Sharif also spoke about enhancing regional and bilateral connectivity to boost trade and deepen cooperation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Pakistan and Turkiye enjoy close cultural, historical and military relations which they are now expanding into the realms of trade, economy and investment as both countries seek to develop their economies.

As long-standing allies and strategic partners, Pakistan and Turkiye maintain a tradition of regular exchanges and have institutionalized leadership-level mechanisms such as the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).

The 7th session of the HLSCC was held in Islamabad on Feb 12-13 this year, and co-chaired by Sharif and Erdogan.


Pakistan stresses importance of trade corridors to increase investment at G-24 moot

Pakistan stresses importance of trade corridors to increase investment at G-24 moot
Updated 22 April 2025
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Pakistan stresses importance of trade corridors to increase investment at G-24 moot

Pakistan stresses importance of trade corridors to increase investment at G-24 moot
  • Muhammad Aurangzeb attends G-24 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Washington
  • Finance minister stresses importance of greater financial and technical support among developing countries

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday stressed the importance of regional trade corridors and enhanced connectivity to ensure increased investment and cooperation among nations, the Finance Division said.

Aurangzeb was speaking at the G-24 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Washington. The Pakistani finance minister is currently on a visit to Washington to attend the 2025 spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group, where he has held a series of high-level engagements on the sidelines.

Pakistan has increased the importance of regional connectivity in its economic policy in recent years. The South Asian country is part of the China-Pakistan-Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar project that connects both countries via an infrastructure network of roads, railways and energy projects. Islamabad is also pushing for greater connectivity for trade and investment with Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, Turkiye and the Middle East.

“He [Aurangzeb] underscored the importance of regional trade corridors, enhanced connectivity and South-South cooperation as key drivers for increasing investment and trade flows,” the Finance Division said.

“He also stressed the need for greater financial and technical support among developing countries to navigate global economic challenges effectively.”

The minister highlighted the recent financial reforms undertaken by his government, pointing out the macroeconomic stability achieved by Pakistan. He lauded the “strong resilience” of the country’s banking system and the government’s ongoing structural reforms, the Finance Division said.

“Minister Aurangzeb emphasized the need to maintain the reform trajectory in view of evolving geopolitical dynamics, demand fragmentation, rising protectionism, and the risks of spillovers and exogenous shocks, including trade tariffs,” it added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Aurangzeb met IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, reassuring her that Islamabad would stay the reform course mandated by the global lender.

His engagements also included a meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. Aurangzeb commended the World Bank’s leadership in developing a transformative Country Partnership Framework (CPF) — a decade-long strategic roadmap centered around measurable impacts and outcomes.

During his visit to Washington, Aurangzeb is expected to meet finance ministers from China, the United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, as well as officials of global credit rating agencies, commercial and investment banks.


Pakistani Catholics hold vigils, praise Pope Francis for raising voice for Gaza

Pakistani Catholics hold vigils, praise Pope Francis for raising voice for Gaza
Updated 22 April 2025
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Pakistani Catholics hold vigils, praise Pope Francis for raising voice for Gaza

Pakistani Catholics hold vigils, praise Pope Francis for raising voice for Gaza
  • Pontiff had reiterated call for Gaza ceasefire during last public appearance on Easter Sunday
  • Pope remembered as revered advocate for peace, interfaith dialogue, and rights of the poor

LAHORE: Catholics in Pakistan have been holding prayers and vigils for Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church who died on Monday, remembering him as an advocate for peace and praising him for speaking up for the “oppressed” in Gaza. 

The pope was 88 and had suffered a serious bout of double pneumonia this year, but his death came as a shock after he had been driven around St. Peter’s Square in an open-air popemobile to greet cheering crowds on Easter Sunday.

In the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, a small number of Catholics in the Muslim-majority country held prayers and a candlelight vigil for Pope Francis at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection.

Church leaders and worshippers described the pope as a revered advocate for peace, interfaith dialogue, and the rights of the poor. The pontiff had reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his brief appearance before thousands of Catholic pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Vatican’s open-air Easter Sunday mass. 

“Pope Francis was a personality who spoke above all for humanity. All his services conveyed a message of peace and harmony. Even his last words, which we can call his final will, were a prayer to God for peace,” priest Irfan Fiaz, 34, said. 

“Pope Francis always prayed for the people, for our country, and constantly carried the message of brotherhood, peace, and security. And this message was not just limited to words, he practiced what he preached. There was harmony between his words and actions.”

Syed Mehmood, 50, chairman of a local peace committee, appreciated the pope for speaking up for the rights of Muslims and the “oppressed in Palestine and Gaza.”

“Wherever there was oppression against humanity, whenever there was injustice, the voice of Pope Francis was the first and the loudest to be heard, and his strong voice made a real impact,” Mehmood told AFP. 


OIC urges member states to implement science, technology agenda during Islamabad meeting

OIC urges member states to implement science, technology agenda during Islamabad meeting
Updated 22 April 2025
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OIC urges member states to implement science, technology agenda during Islamabad meeting

OIC urges member states to implement science, technology agenda during Islamabad meeting
  • COMSTECH is holding three-day summit to discuss agenda to promote science and technology among member states
  • Representatives from 15 OIC institutions, including those from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Türkiye, Bangladesh participate

Islamabad: An Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) official on Tuesday urged member states to intensify their efforts in implementing the OIC’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agenda 2026 to ensure sustainable development. 

The Ministerial Standing Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) is organizing the sixth meeting of the OIC steering committee for the implementation of the organization’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agenda 2026 from Apr. 22-24 in Islamabad. 

The OIC’s STI Agenda 2026, launched at the First OIC Summit on Science and Technology in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2017, is a strategic framework to advance science and technology by fostering collaboration, promoting sustainable development and enhancing the scientific capabilities of member states. 

“I stress the utter importance of intensifying our efforts in implementing the OIC STI Agenda 2026 until it expires,” Ambassador Aftab Ahmed Khokhar, the OIC’s assistant secretary general for science and technology, said in his address during the meeting’s inaugural session.

This high-level meeting is being attended by the heads and representatives of 15 OIC institutions from Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Jordan, Uganda, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Pakistan. 

The STI agenda’s progress is reviewed through regular meetings of the OIC Steering Committee. These meetings assess achievements, identify challenges and set future directions for the agenda’s implementation.

Khokhar highlighted the urgency of reviewing the STI Agenda, addressing associated challenges and outlining a way forward to ensure impactful outcomes.

“The OIC STI agenda, which is expiring in 2026, may be extended for another 10 years from 2027 to 2037, splitting into several shorter time frames with measurable and realistic actions to be executed,” he said. 

COMSTECH Coordinator General Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary said that with a population of 2 billion people across 57 countries, the OIC is focused on equipping its youth with science and technology to drive socioeconomic change.

“The OIC STI Agenda 2026 focuses on 12 priorities including ensuring quality education for all, enhancing youth employability through skills and training, and securing access to food, water, and energy as essential foundations for sustainable development,” Choudhary told Arab News.

He said it was very important to understand climate change and its impact on human life, highlighting it as one of the key areas where member states were working together under the STI agenda.

The COMSTECH official said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia could lead the Muslim world in this field. He noted that in recent years, the Kingdom under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, has achieved major milestones in science and technology-driven socio-economic development.

“I think Pakistan and Saudi Arabia can work together not only for bilateral benefit and cooperation but also to benefit other countries in the Muslim world,” Chaudhary explained. 

He said Saudi Arabia had a leader’s role to play in developing an economically inclusive Muslim world through the use of science, technology and industry.


Pakistan, Russia resolve to strengthen cooperation amid surging ‘terrorism’ in Afghanistan

Pakistan, Russia resolve to strengthen cooperation amid surging ‘terrorism’ in Afghanistan
Updated 22 April 2025
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Pakistan, Russia resolve to strengthen cooperation amid surging ‘terrorism’ in Afghanistan

Pakistan, Russia resolve to strengthen cooperation amid surging ‘terrorism’ in Afghanistan
  • Pakistan, Russia joint working group to counter international “terrorism” meets in Moscow
  • Discussions revolved around growing need for adaptive strategies, says Pakistan foreign ministry

ISLAMABAD: Senior officials from Pakistan and Russia on Tuesday agreed to strengthen cooperation in the face of evolving “terrorism” in Afghanistan and the region, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement. 

Pakistan and Russia have both struggled with threats from armed militant groups. Islamabad complains about increasing “cross-border” attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that it says originate from Afghanistan, allegations denied by Kabul. 

Russia also faces threats from Daesh militants. On Mar. 22, 2024, a deadly attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow killed over 140 people and injured several. The attack, claimed by Daesh militants, was one of the deadliest in Russia in recent years.

Both sides discussed counter-terror strategies during the 11th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group to Counter International Terrorism in Moscow on Tuesday. Pakistan’s delegation was led by Special Secretary (United Nations) Nabeel Munir, while the Russian side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Vershinin, for talks that will go on till Wednesday. 

“The two sides held an in-depth exchange of views on the global and regional terrorism landscape, with particular attention to the evolving threat posed by terrorism in Afghanistan and the region,” Pakistan’s foreign affairs ministry said. 

“The discussions focused around the increasingly transnational nature of terrorism and the growing need for adaptive and cooperative strategies.”

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their resolve to strengthen cooperation amid shared challenges posed by militants. The two delegations also recognized that collective efforts remain essential to maintaining regional and global stability, the Pakistani foreign ministry said. 

Both sides decided to hold the working group’s next meeting in 2026. 

Pakistan and Russia held the last meeting of the working group on Nov. 16, 2023, during which Moscow and Islamabad discussed national strategies and measures in combating “terrorism.”

The platform provides both sides an opportunity to share their experiences and best practices in battling militancy.