Key Takeaways
- Former South African cricketer Mike Smith is expected to become Pakistan’s new batting coach.
- Smith will take charge ahead of the upcoming three-match Test series against England.
- The appointment process was completed after a public call for applications by the PCB.
Pakistan is set to appoint former South African cricketer Mike Smith as the national Test team’s batting coach, according to recent reports. This move comes ahead of an upcoming three-match series against England, starting from August 19 in Leeds.
Smith, who holds a Level 4-qualification and has previously worked with Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), brings valuable experience within Pakistan’s domestic cricket setup to the role. His appointment is part of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) efforts to strengthen the national team’s batting department.
The PCB began its search for a permanent batting coach in May by publicly inviting applications for the position, with an application deadline set on June 7. Following this, the board evaluated candidates before finalizing Smith as the chosen candidate.
Asad Shafiq has served as the interim batting coach since April 2026 and will continue to work under the coaching staff led by Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed until the new coach takes over.
The three-match series against England is set to begin on August 19 at Headingley in Leeds, followed by matches at Lord’s from August 27 to 31, and Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13. Smith's expected appointment underscores the PCB's commitment to preparing the team for these challenging away fixtures.
The move is seen as a strategic decision to bolster Pakistan’s batting lineup ahead of the series, with Smith bringing his experience and expertise to the role.
