The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently witnessing considerable changes within its coaching staff as they gear up for upcoming international tours. Most recently, former cricketer Mohammad Masroor has been appointed as the fielding coach for the national team, filling the position vacated by Gary Kirsten, who stepped down amid tensions within the team and the board.
Masroor’s new role will see him leading the team’s fielding strategies as they prepare for their white-ball series against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. This development marks Masroor's first full-time coaching assignment with the national team, having previously served as the fielding coach during two Test matches against England. His coaching style had garnered significant praise, especially during the Pakistan Shaheens' tour of Australia, where it was noted by Jason Gillespie, the red-ball coach of Pakistan, who recommended him for the role.
Masroor is expected to travel to Australia imminently, embarking on preparations alongside the team led by newly appointed skipper Mohammad Rizwan. The national team is set to engage in three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against Australia, with the ODI matches scheduled from November 4 to 10 and T20Is following shortly from November 14 to 18.
Gary Kirsten's resignation came as somewhat of a surprise, particularly since he had joined the PCB as the head coach of the ODI and T20I teams only six months prior, having signed his contract back in April 2024. Reports suggest Kirsten decided to resign due to conflicts with both the cricket board and several players, sparking debates among fans and former cricketing greats about the management of the team and its future direction.
Prior to his resignation, both Kirsten and Gillespie had expressed their concerns over the PCB's decision to strip them of their selection responsibilities. This significant policy change, introduced earlier this year, removed the coaches from the decision-making process about team selection, which has resulted in dissatisfaction among staff. Gillespie even articulated his frustrations, asserting, "I feel like just a match-day analyst." It is believed this change was made to allow for greater transparency and accountability within the selection process, with decisions now being overseen by an independent committee.
Despite the leadership shakeup, Zimbabwe and South Africa will also be key adversaries as the team prepares not only for immediate series challenges but also looks forward to the Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB's recent appointments hint at aggressive plans to rebuild and rejuvenate the national team's strategy, particularly after facing criticism over their performances and decision-making efficiency.
Fans and experts alike are closely watching how the coaching dynamics evolve, especially under Masroor's guidance. His successful stint with the Pakistan Shaheens and other junior teams presents him as a promising candidate, albeit under shadowy clouds left by the previous administration's controversies and changes. The focus within the PCB now shifts to maximizing the team's strengths and building resilience as they face tough international fixtures.
With these coaching changes, the PCB shows it's willing to pivot—seeking new strategies and innovative coaching styles to restore the pride and performance of the national team on the world stage. The cricket fraternity will be eagerly awaiting the results as Masroor steps up to fill the roles and responsibilities initially laid out by Kirsten and Gillespie—this could be the fresh start needed for Pakistan cricket to regain its footing and confidence.
