Mohammad Yousuf announces his resignation as Pakistan coach

Mohammad Yousuf stepped down as Pakistan national team coach after just six months in the role, citing personal reasons as the reason for his resignation.

Posting on his X account, Yousuf wrote: “I am announcing my resignation as coach of the Pakistan cricket team due to personal reasons. It has been a huge privilege to serve this amazing team and I am proud to have contributed to the development and success of the Pakistan Cricket team.”

Yousuf only took over as Pakistan manager in March 2024 and has overseen a disastrous decline in form for the national team, which struggled in the T20 World Cup with group stage elimination before losing the home Test series to Bangladesh 2-0.

Yousuf survived a reorganization of the selection committee after a poor performance in the World Cup, but will part ways with the national team ahead of the Champions Trophy, which will be held at home in 2025. His last assignment as coach was to feature in the upcoming Test series against England at home, starting in Multan in October.

“I have great faith…”

The former Pakistan batsman also wrote in his post, “I have great faith in the talent and spirit of our players and wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness.”

In the recent past, Pakistan has been going through a tough time in international cricket after five defeats in Test cricket. Yousuf’s time as coach was neither memorable nor successful, despite his success at international level as a batsman.

The PCB is yet to name Yousuf’s successor for the role. Yousuf himself took over from Wahab Riaz, who was demoted as chief coach before the July changeover. The position of chief coach has been in turmoil since 2022, and Yousuf’s successor will be his eighth position in the last three years.

Pakistan will look to put the chaos and confusion behind the scenes on the back burner as it prepares to host England in the upcoming Test series, with Shan Masood continuing as Test captain.