Ashley Noffke named as bowling coach in revamped Pakistan team management

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced the new team management ahead of the T20I series against Bangladesh, featuring new batting and bowling coaches. 

The notable omission in team management was assistant coach Azhar Mehmood, who was also the frontrunner for becoming the head coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team.

A month earlier, Azhar Mehmood expressed his ambition to become the head coach in an interview, stating, “I’m definitely going to apply for the Pakistan team head coach role.”

However, Azhar could not secure the position as Mike Hesson was named as the new head coach of the Pakistan team.

PCB has made several changes to the coaching staff. Former Australian pacer Ashley Noffke has been appointed as the bowling coach, while Hanif Malik will assume the charge of batting coach.

The 47-year-old, who played an ODI and two T20 internationals for Australia across a 12-year playing career, has a wealth of coaching experience.  He has built a solid reputation as a coach, including a role within the coaching staff of the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.

Mohammad Masroor and Cliffe Deacon have retained their positions as fielding coach and physio, respectively, while Imranullah has been appointed as strength and conditioning coach, and Naveed Akram Cheema will act as team manager.

It is pertinent to mention that the upcoming three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The first T20I will be played here on May 28, with the second and third T20Is scheduled on May 30 and June 1, respectively.