Morne Morkel named Pakistan bowling coach, Arthur returns as consultant

Former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel has been roped in as Pakistan's new bowling coach while their former coach Mickey Arthur returns to the fold on a consultant basis. Arthur, who was in charge when Pakistan lifted the Champions Trophy in 2017, will continue his full-time role with Derbyshire, but will play the role of director of cricket with the Pakistan team remotely.

Former Proteas batter Andrew Puttick has also been named as the new batting coach, while former Blackcaps all-rounder Grant Bradburn comes on board as the fielding coach, returning to the fold after quitting in 2021, before which he donned many hats. 

Morkel will join the Pakistan side following his commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Lucknow Super Giants where he is the bowling coach of the side. He has previously worked with the Namibian side, along with his brother Albie during the T20 World Cup 2022 before taking up the role of a bowling coach with Surban Super Giants at the SA20. He also had a stint with the New Zealand Women's side during the T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Puttick, who played just one ODI for South Africa in 2005, will however join the Pakistan side next month. He has the experience of working within South Africa as a batting consultant and most recently was the batting coach of South Africa Women during the recent T20 World Cup at home. Previously, he was the assistant coach of the South Africa Under-19 side for their tour of India in 2019.

Pakistan have been without a coaching staff since the contracts of Saqlain Mushtaq and Shaun Tait were not renewed. Since then, Pakistan have played just one series - the T20Is against Afghanistan - that they lost 2-1 with a bunch of interim coaches.

Pakistan's next assignment is the five-match ODI and T20I series against New Zealand at home, starting April 13.