The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has brought former Test spinner Abdur Rehman on board as the spin bowling coach for the national team. This appointment comes just days before Pakistan faces the West Indies in a two-match Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship.
The 15-member squad announced by the national selection committee includes three spinners: left-arm orthodox bowler Nauman Ali, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, and off-spinner Sajid Khan. These selections reflect Pakistan’s strategy to exploit the spin-friendly conditions expected in Multan. Abdur Rehman will look to get the best out of the spin arsenal as he begins his assignment as the Pakistan’s spin bowling coach.
A left-arm orthodox spinner, Abdur Rehman represented Pakistan across all formats, claiming 140 international wickets between 2006 and 2014. Known for his control and consistency, the Sialkot-born bowler announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018. Now approaching his 45th birthday on March 1, Rehman transitions into a pivotal coaching role with the men’s team.
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 22 | 43 | 6,892 | 2,910 | 99 | 6/25 | 8/92 | 29.39 | 2.53 | 69.6 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| ODIs | 31 | 31 | 1,624 | 1,142 | 30 | 4/48 | 4/48 | 38.06 | 4.21 | 54.1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 8 | 8 | 156 | 192 | 11 | 2/7 | 2/7 | 17.45 | 7.38 | 14.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| First-Class (FC) | 184 | – | 38,966 | 17,617 | 673 | 9/65 | – | 26.17 | 2.71 | 57.8 | – | 28 | 6 |
| List A | 174 | – | 9,086 | 6,743 | 243 | 6/16 | 6/16 | 27.74 | 4.45 | 37.3 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| T20s | 84 | 84 | 1,845 | 2,019 | 77 | 3/17 | 3/17 | 26.22 | 6.56 | 23.9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Before this appointment, Abdur Rehman contributed to the Pakistan women’s cricket team’s coaching setup. However, this marks his debut assignment as a spin bowling coach for any men’s team. His expertise and experience are expected to bolster Pakistan’s spin department, especially with key fixtures on the horizon.
Shan Masood’s men are stationed in Multan, where the first Test will commence on January 17. The series promises high stakes, with Pakistan aiming to future proof their squad. As the team gears up for the series opener, all eyes will be on how Rehman’s insights and mentorship shape Pakistan’s spin attack.
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