Umar Gul Set to Coach Pakistan Shaheens for Australia, England Tours

The Pakistan Shaheens are preparing for a packed season of international commitments, starting with their participation in the Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia, followed by a tour to England. In a timely coaching move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to name Umar Gul as head coach of the side.

Gul, one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers in the 2000s, retired from international cricket in 2020 but has since carved a solid reputation in coaching circles. He has previously served as bowling coach for PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators, worked with the Afghanistan national team, and held coaching duties for Pakistan’s senior squad, stepping in after Morne Morkel’s exit.

His presence during the 2023 Test tour of Australia and the 2024 T20 series against New Zealand earned him praise for his technical insight and motivational style—qualities the PCB now hopes will benefit the emerging Shaheens squad.

In other coaching shifts, the PCB announced that Shane McDermott, an Australian coach, will now oversee fielding responsibilities, replacing Mohammad Masroor. Meanwhile, Grant Luden makes a return as the Strength and Conditioning Coach, bringing consistency and familiarity to the backroom team.

The Shaheens will mark their third consecutive appearance at the Top End T20 Series, scheduled from August 14 to 24. The tournament, hosted across five Darwin venues, will feature 11 teams and 36 matches. The Shaheens’ opener will see them clash with Bangladesh ‘A’ at TIO Stadium.

Previous editions of the tournament have seen Pakistan perform admirably—reaching the final in 2023 and the semi-finals in 2024, with impressive victories against seasoned outfits like the Perth Scorchers, Tasmania, and Melbourne Renegades.