Pakistan has appointed former South African cricketer Mike Smith as batting coach on a two-year contract, aiming to strengthen the team’s batting before upcoming international assignments.
WEBDESK – ZAINAB MIRAJ – SHARJAH NEWS
PCB Announces Key Coaching Appointment
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former South African first-class cricketer Mike Smith as the new batting coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team on a two-year contract.
Smith will oversee the team’s batting development in both Test and limited-overs cricket, becoming part of the national coaching setup as Pakistan prepares for a busy international calendar. His appointment reflects the PCB’s efforts to strengthen the team’s batting department after a series of inconsistent performances in recent months.
Set to Begin Ahead of England Tour
The 46-year-old coach will officially begin his role before Pakistan’s three-match Test series against England, scheduled to start on August 19.
The upcoming series is expected to be one of Pakistan’s biggest challenges of the year, making Smith’s arrival timely as the team looks to improve its batting consistency against quality opposition.
Extensive Domestic and Coaching Experience
Although Smith enjoyed a successful decade in South African domestic cricket between 2003 and 2013, it is his coaching career that has earned him international recognition.
During his playing career, he featured in 89 first-class matches, 72 List A games and 16 T20 matches, gaining valuable experience before transitioning into coaching.
Over the years, Smith has built a strong reputation as a specialist batting coach, helping players improve their techniques, shot selection and adaptability across different formats of the game.
Familiar Face in Pakistan Cricket
Smith is already well acquainted with Pakistan cricket through his involvement in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
He has previously worked with Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and most recently Multan Sultans, giving him valuable insight into Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure and many of the country’s leading players.
His familiarity with the local cricket environment is believed to have played an important role in the PCB’s decision to appoint him.
Beyond Pakistan, Smith has also served as batting coach for Australia’s Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania, while working as a coaching consultant for South African domestic teams including KZN Inland and Eastern Province.
Focus on Improving Pakistan’s Batting
The PCB’s decision comes after Pakistan struggled with batting consistency across formats. While the team has often produced promising starts, frequent middle-order collapses have prevented it from posting competitive totals or successfully chasing targets.
By appointing a dedicated batting specialist, the board hopes to address technical weaknesses, improve player confidence and develop a more reliable batting lineup capable of performing in all conditions.
Smith, a highly respected Level 4-certified batting coach, is expected to work closely with both senior and emerging players, helping them refine their techniques and prepare for high-pressure international matches.
Pakistan are currently touring the West Indies and are placed ninth in the ICC World Test Championship standings as they continue rebuilding their squad ahead of a demanding schedule.
The arrival of Mike Smith is seen as an important step in that rebuilding process. With his international coaching experience and knowledge of Pakistan cricket, the PCB hopes he can help transform the team’s batting unit and contribute to improved performances across all formats in the coming years.
