Mohammed Hafeez named as Pakistan team coach

Former cricketer Mohammad Hafeez will serve as Pakistan's head coach for the upcoming Australia and New Zealand tour.

Hafeez has been appointed as the Pakistan team director. Earlier, Mickey Arthur held the post until a reshuffle took place followed by Babar Azam’s resignation as the captain.

This is a huge step up for 43-year-old Hafeez who was named the team director just a day prior in the aftermath of Pakistan's horrible World Cup 2023 campaign.

The status of current team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn, however, remains unknown. While they have not been relieved of their duties yet, it could only be because the interim committee which is currently heading the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lacks the authority for the same.

The appointment of Hafeez as the head coach for the time being concluded the tumultuous 24-hour period in Pakistan cricket which saw their all-format captain Babar Azam stepping down. Babar was told that he could continue as the Test skipper but would be relieved of the job in the white-ball format. The former skipper decided to let go of it all.

Pakistan will play three Tests in Australia starting December 14 in Perth before heading to New Zealand for the five T20Is. The team will depart on November 30 and will also play a warm-up game from December 6-9 in Manuka Oval.