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 to open new maritime trade corridors to tap East African market — minister

Pakistan to open new maritime trade corridors to tap East African market — minister
Updated 19 April 2025
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Pakistan to open new maritime trade corridors to tap East African market — minister

Pakistan to open new maritime trade corridors to tap East African market — minister
  • The East African Community is an eight-nation bloc with a collective GDP of around $345 billion
  • The first phase of the plan will see the launch of direct shipping line between Karachi and Djibouti

KARACHI: Pakistan plans to launch new maritime trade corridors to strengthen economic ties with the East African Community (EAC), Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Saturday, describing the move as a strategic push to boost exports and regional connectivity.
The initiative aims to establish direct sea links with EAC member states, which include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The eight-nation bloc has a combined population of over 500 million and a collective GDP of around $345 billion.
“Our goal is to provide Pakistan’s industrialists, exporters and investors with a direct and efficient route to tap into the lucrative East African market,” Chaudhry said in a statement. “This strategic initiative will not only bolster our export potential but will also contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth by opening new avenues for trade and investment.”
He informed the first phase of the plan will involve the launch of a direct shipping line between Karachi Port and Djibouti, a key logistics hub offering access to neighboring markets such as Somalia and Ethiopia. However, he did not specify the exact launch date for the initiative.
The second phase involves the development of Gwadar Port into a long-term export hub focused on African trade.
An inter-ministerial consortium will be established to oversee implementation, coordinating efforts across trade, finance, diplomacy and technology. The government says the goal is to ensure Pakistani businesses are equipped to compete effectively in East Africa, particularly in agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.
“By enhancing trade routes and improving connectivity, Pakistan is positioning itself as a leading player in the expanding East African market,” Chaudhry added.


Pakistan cricket chief says women’s team will not travel to India for 2025 World Cup

Pakistan cricket chief says women’s team will not travel to India for 2025 World Cup
Updated 19 April 2025
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Pakistan cricket chief says women’s team will not travel to India for 2025 World Cup

Pakistan cricket chief says women’s team will not travel to India for 2025 World Cup
  • Pakistan women’s team delivered stellar performance in the World Cup Qualifiers, winning all matches
  • Mohsin Naqvi says matches involving Pakistan should be held at a neutral venue during the tournament

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cricket chief and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday the national women’s team would not travel to India for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, reiterating Islamabad’s position that matches involving Pakistan should be held at a neutral venue under a hybrid model.
Naqvi’s remarks came shortly after Pakistan concluded their ICC World Cup Qualifier campaign unbeaten, sealing their spot in the tournament with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Lahore.
“It is up to India to decide where the matches will be held since they are the hosts,” he told reporters at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. “Our team is ready to play wherever, but it will not travel to India.”
The hybrid model was implemented earlier this year during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan, allowing India to play their matches at neutral venues.
During the event, India played their matches in Dubai, citing security concerns, while other participating teams traveled to Pakistan.
The arrangement also drew criticism from several teams, who felt disadvantaged by India’s familiarity with the playing conditions in Dubai.
Pakistan women’s team have delivered a stellar performance in the World Cup Qualifiers, winning all five of their matches.
The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be held from September 29 to October 26. With Pakistan’s qualification, the ICC will need to determine a neutral venue for their matches, adhering to the agreed-upon hybrid model.


Five suspected separatists killed in counterterrorism operation in southwest Pakistan

Five suspected separatists killed in counterterrorism operation in southwest Pakistan
Updated 19 April 2025
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Five suspected separatists killed in counterterrorism operation in southwest Pakistan

Five suspected separatists killed in counterterrorism operation in southwest Pakistan
  • A CTD official says the intelligence-based raid targeted BLA militants in Balochistan’s Duki district
  • Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praises the action, vows to foil conspiracies to destabilize the province

QUETTA: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in southwestern Balochistan killed five suspected militants in an intelligence-based operation in the Duki district of the province on Saturday, confirmed one of its officials, as the region continues to witness a spike in separatist violence.
The raid was conducted by CTD Balochistan with support from other law enforcement agencies in the Dhabar area of Duki. According to the CTD official, the slain militants were affiliated with the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group that has frequently targeted security forces and state infrastructure in the province.
“The latest action against militants was carried out on an intelligence basis, and the bodies of the militants were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital Duki,” the CTD official said on condition of anonymity while confirming the number of the dead militants.
The BLA was designated a terrorist organization by the United States in 2019 and has long led a separatist insurgency in the resource-rich region.
Militants affiliated with the group have also attacked Chinese nationals and projects linked to the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Following the raid, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised the CTD action, pointing out that the state would continue to confront militancy with full force.
“Every conspiracy to destabilize Balochistan will be foiled,” he said in a statement issued by his office, adding that any facilitators of such armed separatist groups would also be brought to justice.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind described the operation as part of the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the province.
Balochistan has seen a spike in separatist violence in recent years. Last month, BLA militants hijacked a passenger train in the Bolan district, holding hundreds of passengers hostage for about 36 hours.
Duki, the area where the CTD operation took place, has also been prone to violence. In October last year, at least 21 miners were killed in an attack in the area, where gunmen used rocket launchers and grenades to storm coal mine facilities. Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir vowed this week to defeat separatist groups in Balochistan, saying such elements would never succeed in their efforts to disintegrate the country.
Separatist militants accuse the government and military of exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources, but the authorities maintain the Pakistani state has been investing in infrastructure and development to bring stability and growth to the province.


PIA to launch first direct Lahore-Baku flight on Sunday amid push for regional connectivity

PIA to launch first direct Lahore-Baku flight on Sunday amid push for regional connectivity
Updated 19 April 2025
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PIA to launch first direct Lahore-Baku flight on Sunday amid push for regional connectivity

PIA to launch first direct Lahore-Baku flight on Sunday amid push for regional connectivity
  • The announcement was made at a roadshow organized in Lahore ahead of the launch
  • The new route is expected to boost tourism, business travel between the two countries

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will begin weekly direct flights from Lahore to Baku on Sunday, the national carrier said, marking its latest step to expand travel links amid Islamabad’s push for deeper connectivity with Central Asian states.
The move comes as Pakistan strengthens diplomatic and trade ties with Azerbaijan, a key partner in its broader regional outreach. The new route is expected to boost tourism, business travel and cultural exchange between the two countries.
“PIA will start weekly flights from Lahore to Baku from Sunday, April 20,” the airline said in a statement on Saturday. “The first flight to Baku will depart tomorrow morning, carrying 174 passengers.”
The announcement was made at a roadshow organized in Lahore ahead of the launch, attended by travel agents, tour operators and tourism industry stakeholders.
PIA officials briefed participants on the airline’s expansion plans and encouraged greater collaboration to promote regional travel and tourism.
“Baku is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, known for its beautiful cityscape, culinary scene and rich religious and cultural heritage,” the official PIA statement continued, adding that Lahore would see more international destinations added in the near future.
The new flight service is seen as part of Pakistan’s ongoing quest to improve air connectivity with countries in Central Asia, where it has been seeking to expand trade and diplomatic engagement in recent years.


Pakistan deputy PM announces understanding with Kabul to prevent cross-border militancy

Pakistan deputy PM announces understanding with Kabul to prevent cross-border militancy
Updated 19 April 2025
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Pakistan deputy PM announces understanding with Kabul to prevent cross-border militancy

Pakistan deputy PM announces understanding with Kabul to prevent cross-border militancy
  • Ishaq Dar says Pakistan is trying to ensure the return of Afghan nationals ‘with dignity and respect’
  • He also announces steps to facilitate Afghan transit trade, demands exchange of trade delegations

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday announced a joint understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan not to allow their soil to be used against each other while addressing a news conference toward the end of his day-long visit to Kabul.
Dar’s visit to the neighboring country came amid surging militancy in Pakistan, which Islamabad blames on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant factions. Pakistan has frequently accused the Afghan Taliban in the past of providing these armed groups sanctuaries and facilitating their cross-border attacks, allegations that Kabul has repeatedly denied.
The deputy prime minister’s visit to Kabul also took place at a time when Pakistan has intensified its campaign to deport “illegal immigrants,” mostly Afghan nationals, which it blames for being involved in suicide attacks and militancy in the country.
The deportation drive has further soured ties between the two nations, prompting the Afghan authorities to express “deep concern” their forced repatriation during Dar’s trip to Kabul.

“We have requested our hosts that we must work together for the development of this region, for its betterment and for establishing peace and stability here,” the deputy prime minister said while addressing the news conference. “For that, we will not allow our land or our soil to be used by anyone for any wrongful activity inside Afghanistan, and we kindly request you to do the same.”
“Both countries must strictly deal with such elements,” he continued. “Neither side should allow its territory to be used for any activity against the other, whether it concerns security or terrorism.”
Dar added in case of any militant violence, both countries “will be responsible to take firm action against such elements within our respective countries and stop them.”

This handout photograph taken on April 19, 2025 and released by the Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows the country’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar (9L) speaks during a meeting with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi (8R) and other Taliban government officials in Kabul. Dar arrived in Afghanistan on April 19 for a one-day visit to meet senior Afghan Taliban officials, including Prime Minister Hasan Akhund, after Pakistan expelled more than 85,000 Afghans in just over two weeks. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOFA)

The deputy prime minister also announced a number of measures aimed at facilitating Afghan transit trade, saying they would be implemented by June 30. “Exchange of trade delegations between the two countries is also vital at this stage to increase bilateral trade and ensure mutual prosperity,” he said.
Addressing Afghan concerns over the deportation, he noted Pakistan was trying to ensure that those being sent back were treated with “respect and dignity.”

Afghanistan’s acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund (right) meets Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Kabul, Afghanistan, on April 19, 2025. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOFA)

He said the interior ministry would issue a notification within 48 hours providing phone numbers, WhatsApp contacts and an email address to register any complaints from Afghan nationals returning to their country.
Denying any instructions to block the sale of property by Afghans, he said that those returning to Afghanistan were also allowed to take their personal belongings back with them.

Pakistan Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar (4R) shaking hands with Afghan government officials upon his arrival in Kabul. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOFA)

Earlier in the day, before departing for Kabul, Dar acknowledged recent “coldness” in bilateral ties but said security remained a priority.

“I believe the security of Pakistan, its people, their lives and properties, is very important,” he told state-run Pakistan Television. “So one of our concerns is regarding terrorism, which we will discuss.”
During the visit, he met with senior Afghan officials, including acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
According to Pakistan’s foreign office, the discussions focused on security, trade, transit and regional connectivity, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining high-level engagement and enhancing people-to-people contact.