The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing for a fresh beginning in its women’s cricket setup, with plans to appoint a foreign head coach following a series of disappointing performances under former Test fast bowler Wahab Riaz. The board is expected to advertise the head coach position soon, with preference likely to be given to an overseas candidate. The move reflects Pakistan’s growing concerns over the team’s recent performances and its determination to build a competitive squad ahead of the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which the country is scheduled to host.
According to a reliable source within the PCB, the recruitment process will begin shortly, with the new appointment expected to be completed before Pakistan Women’s next international assignment, a tour of the West Indies. The board reportedly wants an experienced coaching figure who can bring fresh ideas, improve the team’s overall performances and establish a long-term development structure. With an important international cycle approaching, the PCB is keen to avoid further uncertainty in the coaching department and provide the team with stability.
Wahab Riaz took charge of mentoring the Pakistan women’s team in December last year after the departure of former head coach Muhammad Wasim in November. Wasim’s removal followed Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, held in India and Sri Lanka. However, the change in leadership has not produced the expected improvement. Pakistan endured another difficult outing in the recent Women’s T20 World Cup and its subsequent bilateral series against Sri Lanka, increasing pressure on the board to reconsider its coaching arrangements.
The decision to look overseas is also closely connected to Pakistan’s preparations for the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Hosting a major international tournament presents an important opportunity for Pakistan women’s cricket to strengthen its standing on the global stage. The PCB reportedly wants the incoming head coach to have sufficient time to identify areas requiring improvement, develop younger players, build a settled playing combination and prepare a squad capable of competing against the world’s leading teams. A long-term appointment could therefore play a significant role in shaping Pakistan’s preparations for the tournament.
Pakistan have previously experienced encouraging results under foreign coaching appointments. David Hemp and Mark Coles are among the overseas coaches who have guided the national women’s side, with Coles particularly associated with some of the team’s notable performances. He initially coached Pakistan between 2017 and 2019 before returning for a brief stint in 2023. Their previous involvement could strengthen the PCB’s belief that international coaching experience may bring valuable technical knowledge and a fresh approach to the team.
However, frequent changes in leadership remain a concern for Pakistan women’s cricket. The national side has had at least six different head coaches since 2020, highlighting the lack of continuity in its coaching structure. Finding the right candidate will therefore be about more than improving short-term results. The PCB will need someone capable of establishing consistency, developing talent and creating a clear direction for the team.
With the West Indies tour approaching and the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup firmly in its plans, the PCB’s next appointment could prove crucial. Pakistan will hope that a fresh coaching approach can help the team regain confidence, deliver more consistent performances and become a stronger force in international women’s cricket.
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