Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the new batting coach of the national men’s cricket team. His appointment comes just ahead of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, which is set to take place from March 16 to April 5, 2025. Yousuf replaces Shahid Aslam in this role and will work under interim head coach Aqib Javed during the series.
Pakistan’s Upcoming Tour of New Zealand
Pakistan is scheduled to play five T20Is and three ODIs against New Zealand during this tour. The T20 series will begin in Christchurch on March 16, followed by matches in Dunedin (March 18), Auckland (March 21), Mount Maunganui (March 23), and Wellington (March 26).
After the T20Is, the ODI series will start in Napier on March 29, followed by games in Hamilton (April 2) and Mount Maunganui (April 5). This series will be crucial for Pakistan as they prepare for future international tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Mohammad Yousuf’s Role and Coaching Experience
Mohammad Yousuf is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen, having played 90 Test matches and 288 ODIs during his international career. His technical skills and vast experience make him a valuable addition to the coaching staff. Yousuf has previously worked with Pakistan’s Under-19 team and at the National Cricket Academy. His primary role will be to improve the batting performance of the team and help players develop better techniques, especially in challenging New Zealand conditions.
Pakistan Squad for the New Zealand Tour
ODI Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.
T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk).
Coaching and Support Staff
- Interim Head Coach: Aqib Javed
- Batting Coach: Mohammad Yousuf
- Assistant Coach: Azhar Mahmood
- Fielding Coach: Mohammad Masroor
- Team Manager: Naveed Akram Cheema
- Strength & Conditioning Coach: Drikus Saiman
- Physiotherapist: Cliffe Deacon
- Security Manager: Irtiza Komail
- Team Doctor: Dr Wajid Ali Rafai
- Analyst: Talha Butt
- Media & Digital Manager: Syed Naeem Ahmad
- Masseur: Sergio Basil Mullins
Pakistan’s Preparation for the Series
Pakistan’s team has been undergoing training sessions to prepare for the tour. The management hopes that Mohammad Yousuf’s expertise will help the players enhance their batting performances, particularly in overseas conditions. With the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy approaching, Pakistan will be looking to refine their strategies and build a strong playing combination.
This tour will also test Salman Ali Agha’s leadership skills, as he has been given the captaincy for the T20I series, while Mohammad Rizwan will lead the ODI squad. The series against New Zealand will serve as an important opportunity for Pakistan to fine-tune their squad and identify key players for future international tournaments.
