Shane Deitz, the former South Australia wicketkeeper-batter, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Pakistan women’s cricket team, marking a significant shift in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s approach to its women’s programme. The Australian arrives after a three-year stint with West Indies Women, where his contract ended on October 31, 2026, and he will formally take charge ahead of Pakistan’s bilateral tour of the West Indies in December.
Deitz’s appointment comes as the PCB restructures its women’s coaching setup, moving away from former fast bowler Wahab Riaz and towards a foreign head coach. Riaz had been appointed as a consultant and mentor to the national women’s team in late 2025, but the board has now opted for a more internationally experienced figure to lead the side through a demanding period.
For Pakistan, the timing is particularly important. The team, led by stand-in captain Muneeba Ali, will next feature in the second edition of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, to be played in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25. The tournament has expanded from eight to 10 teams, with Pakistan placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe.
Thailand enter as the defending champions after winning the inaugural edition on home soil in 2025. The 2026 event will also feature five Full Members, Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, alongside the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and the hosts, underlining its growing importance as a development pathway in the women’s game.
While Deitz will not formally begin his Pakistan duties until December, the Emerging Nations Trophy offers an immediate look at the talent pool he will inherit. Pakistan open their campaign against Bangladesh on November 12, with the group stage running until November 18 before the top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six phase. The final is scheduled for November 25 at the Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground.
Deitz brings a strong international coaching CV to Lahore. Before his West Indies role, he coached the Netherlands women’s team, giving him valuable experience of working with emerging cricketing nations and building competitive sides beyond the traditional powerhouses. That background could prove crucial for a Pakistan team preparing for major ICC commitments, including hosting the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
His recent record with West Indies also adds weight to the appointment. Deitz took charge in July 2023 and guided the Caribbean side to semi-final finishes at consecutive ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, establishing a standard that Cricket West Indies described as the benchmark for the group going forward.
His departure from West Indies was mutually agreed after his contract expired at the end of October. Former West Indies men’s Test head coach Andre Coley has since been named interim coach of the women’s team and will lead them in the upcoming series against Pakistan.
For Pakistan, Deitz represents more than a coaching change. His arrival signals an intent to professionalise the women’s setup, bring in global experience and build a side capable of competing consistently at ICC events. With the Emerging Nations Trophy on the cards, and a December tour of the West Indies from 8th to 21st December approaching for a bilateral white-ball series that includes a three-match ODI and T20I series, the PCB will hope Deitz’s proven ability to develop teams can help Pakistan turn potential into sustained results.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.