PCB Appoints Mike Smith as Pakistan Test Batting Coach
The board hired a Level‑4 coach to address recurring batting failures and to have a specialist in place before the three‑Test England tour begins on August 19.
Overview
- The Pakistan Cricket Board told multiple outlets on Monday, August 3, 2026, that it has reached a verbal agreement with Mike Smith and expects to confirm the appointment formally in the days ahead.
- Smith is a Level‑4 qualified batting coach who has worked with Pakistan Super League franchises, including Multan Sultans, giving him prior exposure to players in Pakistan's Test setup.
- If confirmed, Smith will replace Asad Shafiq, who served as interim batting coach since April 2026 and will remain involved with Pakistan cricket in his role as a national selector.
- Smith is expected to join the squad for the three‑Test England series that opens at Headingley on August 19, leaving limited time for him to work with Pakistan's top order before the tour starts.
- The PCB ran a public recruitment process in May with a June 7 deadline and said the hire responds to repeated batting collapses by providing sustained specialist coaching and quicker technical support for players.