PCB appoints Mohammad Yousuf as batting coach for Pakistan's High Performance Centre in Lahore

Pakistan Cricket Board, on Thursday, has come up with a list of coaches for the National High-Performance Centre and six cricket associations for the domestic cricket season of 2020-21. The list is lined up with successful players, and it will be headed by Pakistan’s former star batsman Mohammad Yousuf. Yousuf is the 4th highest Test run-scorer and 2nd highest ODI scorer for his side. The right-handed batsman has been given the responsibility of batting coach at the National High-Performance Centre (NHPC) in Lahore.

The ace batsman has 7530 Test runs, and 9720 ODI runs to his credit. Joining the league is former wicketkeeper Atiq-uz-Zaman and pace spearhead Mohammad Zahid. Atiq has the credit of having the highest no of dismissals in a season ie. 76 dismissals in 2000-01 while Zahid has appeared in a fair number of games before a back injury put brakes on his promising career. He is the only bowler to pick 10 or more wickets while making a Test debut.

“With Mushtaq Ahmed already working as a spin bowling consultant, the NHPC is now fully loaded with experienced coaches to hone the skill and talent of promising young cricketers and prepare them for challenges at the highest level. Furthermore, these four coaches will also support and supplement the national teams’ player support personnel to help the elite cricketers continually improve their skills and prepare appropriately for success at an international level,” a PCB official said as quoted by Times Now.

Its right time for me to start my second innings: Mohammad Yousuf

Mohammad Yousuf, who is quite delighted to shoulder new responsibilities, said he was waiting for the right time and opportunity. The former batsman also believes that he can be of great help to the young talents in Pakistan.

“My ambitions in making a career in coaching are an open secret, but it was all about the timing and a proper roadmap for our future cricket in which I could contribute effectively. I believe this is the right time for me to start my second innings as I can sense the intent and optimism in the approach.”

“I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity and I firmly believe I can help young cricketers by transferring my knowledge and experience, which I have acquired after being part of one of the brightest and formidable eras of Pakistan cricket,” Yousuf added.

PCB has also confirmed a total of 36 new coaches for the six Cricket Associations. Names like Abdul Razzaq, Basit Ali, Zafar Iqbal Ghulam Ali, etc have made to the list.