ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former left-arm pacer Junaid Khan as the bowling coach for the Pakistan U19 team, stepping in for Rehan Riaz, who is unavailable due to a family emergency. The decision comes ahead of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024.
Junaid Khan, a seasoned cricketer, previously served as the head coach of the Islamabad Region, leading the team to victory in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy and Hanif Mohammad Cup for the 2023-24 season. The 34-year-old left-arm pacer brings a wealth of experience, having represented Pakistan in 22 Test matches, picking 71 wickets at an average of 31.73 since his debut in 2011.
Junaid Khan’s Cricket Career
In ODIs, Junaid claimed 110 wickets in 76 matches at an average of 29.23 from 2011 to 2019. Additionally, he featured in T20Is, securing eight wickets in nine games. Junaid Khan was also a pivotal part of the Pakistan squad that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, defeating India in the final.
Last month, the PCB appointed legendary cricketer Mohammad Yousuf as the head coach of the Pakistan U19 team. The upcoming ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled to kick off on January 19, 2024, in South Africa, with the final set for February 11, 2024.
The tournament will see 16 teams divided into four groups, with Pakistan placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Nepal. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six phase, leading to the semi-finals scheduled for February 6 and 8.
