Mohammad Yousuf made a U-turn, joins Pakistan squad for New Zealand tour

Former Test cricketer Mohammad Yousuf, recently appointed as the Pakistan cricket team’s batting consultant, initially withdrew from the New Zealand tour but later reversed his decision and confirmed his availability.

According to reports, Yousuf initially informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he would not be travelling with the team for personal reasons. However, just a few hours later, he confirmed his participation.

He was uncertain about joining the team while his daughter was unwell. However, after receiving reassurance from doctors about her improving health, he decided to rejoin the squad. 

He said in a statement, “Doctors have confirmed that my daughter is doing better, so I have decided to travel with the team. Representing Pakistan is a national duty, and I am committed to fulfilling it.”

The PCB appointed Mohammad Yousuf as the team’s batting consultant for the New Zealand tour. However, reports revealed that Yousuf initially informed the board of his decision not to travel for personal reasons. The board has decided not to appoint a replacement for him.

The Pakistan cricket team is set to depart for New Zealand on 12 March, where they will play five T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals (ODIs).

For the T20 series, Salman Ali Agha has been named the new captain, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain. Notably, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Naseem Shah have been dropped from the T20 squad.

Similarly, the ODI squad has undergone six changes, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, and Usman Khan being left out.

Earlier, following the ICC Champions Trophy, Aaqib Javed’s tenure as interim head coach was set to expire. However, the PCB extended his contract by three months. Due to the national team’s poor performance, Shahid Aslam was removed from his role, and Mohammad Yousuf was appointed as the new batting coach.

The PCB confirmed that Aaqib Javed will continue as interim head coach for the New Zealand tour, with an extension until a permanent head coach is appointed.

The team’s support staff for the New Zealand tour includes Naveed Akram Cheema (Team Manager), Aaqib Javed (Interim Head Coach), Azhar Mahmood (Assistant Coach), Mohammad Yousuf (Batting Coach), Mohammad Masroor (Fielding Coach), Cliff Deacon (Physiotherapist), Drex Simon (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Talha Butt (Analyst), Irtiza Kamil (Security Manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafi (Team Doctor), Syed Naeem Ahmed (Media and Digital Manager), and Sergio Basil Mullins (Masseur).

With Yousuf confirming his availability, the Pakistan team heads to New Zealand with a complete coaching and support staff lineup.