Former South African first-class cricketer and Level 4 coach Mike Smith is likely to be appointed as the batting coach of the Pakistan Test team, according to sources. Smith, who has previously worked with PSL franchise Multan Sultans, is being considered for the role as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) looks to strengthen the team’s batting setup ahead of upcoming international assignments.
According to sources, Mike Smith could take over the batting coach responsibilities during Pakistan’s Test series against England. Currently, Asad Shafiq is serving as the interim batting coach.
The PCB had advertised the position of batting coach in May, with June 7 set as the deadline for submitting applications. Pakistan is scheduled to play a three-Test series against England this month.
On the other hand, the Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said that he always told the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman that if he was given a role, he should be provided with complete freedom and the opportunity to work without any restrictions.
Speaking to the media in Karachi, Younis said he had spoken with several PCB chairmen and often heard comments that “Younis Khan wants power.” He questioned what he would do with power if he were not given the authority to make decisions and deliver results.
He said he had always made it clear to PCB officials that if they assigned him any role, they should allow him to work freely, avoid limiting his authority, and let him build the team according to his vision.
Younis added that freedom to work and the ability to deliver results are more important to him than power or financial packages. He said that if he ever discusses a package, he would prefer to talk about the package given to the weakest position in the team.
The former captain said a revival of Pakistan cricket is possible, but players will have to take responsibility. He recalled that after the 2003 World Cup, when several senior players left, the team took responsibility and moved forward. Younis added that if players think big, the results will also be bigger and more positive.
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