Pakistan are understood to have roped in former South Africa first-class cricketer and coach Michael Smith as batting coach across formats. While the announcement has not been made official yet, the 46-year-old is expected to link up with the squad as early as their next international assignment, a three-match Test series versus England beginning August 19.
Smith’s Pakistan connection
Smith isn’t new to the Pakistan cricket set-up, having coached as many as three Pakistan Super League sides across as many seasons. His first stint in the league came during PSL 6, when he was appointed as assistant batting coach for Islamabad United. Following that, he took up the same position for Karachi Kings in PSL 8. He was once again called back as second-in-command for Multan Sultans head coach Tim Paine in PSL 11.
Besides these, his portfolio includes several coaching jobs within the South African and Australian domestic cricket circuits. He is currently serving as assistant coach for Cricket Tasmania, having been appointed in late 2023.
Filling a long-vacant role
The red-ball batting coach role has only been filled by interim appointments of late. Before Asad Shafique joined the side as interim batting coach earlier this year, Pakistan had appointed Imran Farhat in the role during their Test series against South Africa in October last year. In white-ball, Hanif Malik, who was appointed in May 2025, resigned from the position after the Australia ODI series in June this year.
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