Yasir Arafat Appointed High-Performance Coach for New Zealand Tour

image-lqlz2og2Yasir will link-up with the Pakistan T20I squad in New Zealand. (AP)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has continued its trend of frequent coaching changes, introducing another alteration for the upcoming New Zealand tour. The coaching staff for Pakistan sees the addition of former Pakistani all-rounder Yasir Arafat as the new high-performance coach.

This decision was made ahead of the ongoing second Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Australia’s Simon Helmot, who’s serving as part of the Pakistan’s coaching staff in down under has decided against extending his contract with the team. 

In the aftermath of the ODI World Cup, Pakistan cricket has undergone a series of transformations. From significant shifts in the board to changes in leadership, the ongoing tour of Australia also reflects adjustments in the coaching staff.

Arafat, a former Pakistan international cricketer who played 27 matches for the national team, is set to replace Helmot for the upcoming T20I series in New Zealand. The ex-Pakistan international is expected to join the Pakistan white-ball players in New Zealand, with the series scheduled from January 12 to January 21.

The appointment of Arafat is reported to be for this specific series, and Helmot remains part of the coaching staff for the ongoing Test series in Australia. However, Helmot is said to have personal commitments following the Test series, as per the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

A source close to PCB said that Yasir Arafat's appointment was recommended by Mohammad Hafeez, who holds a significant role in decision-making during the Australia tour, even above Test captain Shah Masood.

"Yasir’s appointment came about on the recommendation of the national team’s director Mohammad Hafeez who is calling the shots in Australia even above captain, Shah Masood," the source said.

Arafat, a member of the ICC World T20-winning squad in 2009, brings valuable experience as a T20 World Cup champion, which could be crucial for Pakistan as they aim to secure victory in the T20I series against New Zealand.

His coaching journey began when he was initially appointed as the Pakistan U-19 bowling coach in South Africa, and his experience in playing club cricket in New Zealand aligns with the PCB's plans.