Pakistan set to appoint Mike Smith as batting coach

LAHORE: Pakistan are reportedly close to appointing Mike Smith as the batting coach of the national Test team, with the experienced South African expected to take charge ahead of this month’s crucial three-match Test series against England.

According to sources, Smith is the leading candidate for the role and could officially join the team before the England tour begins. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to make a formal announcement regarding the appointment.

Smith is a Level 4-qualified coach and a former South African first-class cricketer. He is also familiar with Pakistan cricket, having previously worked with Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he earned praise for his coaching methods and player development.

If appointed, Smith will replace the interim coaching arrangement currently being handled by former Pakistan batter Asad Shafiq, who has been serving as the team’s temporary batting coach.

The PCB began its search for a permanent batting coach in May, inviting applications from qualified candidates. The deadline for submissions was June 7, after which the board evaluated potential applicants before shortlisting candidates for the position.

Pakistan’s move to strengthen its coaching staff comes at an important time, with the national team preparing for a challenging Test assignment in England. The series is expected to be a significant test for Pakistan’s batting unit, which has faced criticism for inconsistent performances in recent overseas matches.

Adding an experienced batting specialist is seen as part of the PCB’s broader strategy to improve the team’s red-ball performances and provide greater technical support to the players.

Smith’s previous experience in franchise cricket and his reputation for working closely with batters could make him a valuable addition to Pakistan’s coaching setup.

Although an official confirmation is still awaited, reports suggest the appointment process is in its final stages.

With the England Test series approaching rapidly, the PCB is expected to finalize the coaching staff soon as Pakistan aims to build a stronger batting lineup capable of delivering consistent performances in challenging overseas conditions.