Overview
- The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the appointment on Tuesday and signed Michael (Mike) Smith to a two-year contract to work with both red-ball and white-ball teams.
- Smith brings a Level 4 coaching qualification and experience with PSL franchises including Multan Sultans, Islamabad United and Karachi Kings plus roles with Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania.
- The move replaces interim coach Asad Shafiq, who will return to duties as a national selector once Smith assumes the role.
- Smith arrives with limited preparation time because he is due to join the squad before the first Test at Headingley on August 19, which means early work will focus on quick technical fixes and mindset under overseas conditions.
- The PCB framed the hire as a response to recurring batting collapses — including Pakistan’s failed chase of 211 in the recent West Indies Test — and the board hopes sustained specialist coaching will shore up the side’s poor away form and World Test Championship position.