The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to replace former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz with a foreign Head Coach for the national women’s cricket team following a series of disappointing performances, according to a report by PTI.
The board is expected to advertise the position shortly, with overseas candidates likely to receive preference as Pakistan looks to strengthen its coaching setup.
The proposed appointment would mark another leadership change for a women’s programme that has undergone frequent coaching transitions in recent years, with at least six different Head Coaches appointed since 2020.
PCB targets appointment before West Indies tour
The PCB intends to complete the recruitment process before Pakistan women’s next international assignment against the West Indies, establishing a timeline for the anticipated coaching transition.
A PCB source told PTI: “The appointment will be made before the women’s team’s next international assignment which is a tour of the West Indies.”
Although the board is moving towards a new appointment, Wahab’s departure has not yet been formally announced, and no prospective candidates have been publicly identified.
The preference for an overseas Head Coach is also linked to the PCB’s longer-term preparations for the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. The board wants the incoming coach to have sufficient time to develop a competitive squad before the tournament.
Wahab Riaz’s tenure follows disappointing results
Wahab took charge of the women’s team in a mentoring capacity in December 2025, following the departure of former Head Coach Muhammad Wasim in November 2025 after Pakistan’s disappointing ICC Women’s ODI World Cup campaign.
His appointment came during a difficult period for the national side, but subsequent performances have failed to produce the improvement the PCB had been seeking.
Pakistan endured further setbacks during the recent Women’s T20 World Cup and bilateral matches against Sri Lanka, adding to concerns over the team’s performances across international competitions.
Despite the proposed change, Wahab had recently remained involved in the women’s setup. He was named as coach of Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 on October 27.
PCB considers foreign coaching experience
The PCB’s renewed interest in overseas coaching follows previous appointments of international coaches who oversaw some of Pakistan women’s stronger performances.
Among them was Mark Coles, who initially served as Head Coach between 2017 and 2019 before returning for a shorter second spell in 2023.
David Hemp also previously led the national side, with both coaches associated with periods of comparatively stronger results.
Their experience provides a precedent for the PCB’s latest recruitment plans as the board considers another international appointment.
Focus shifts to coaching transition
The planned overhaul would see the PCB turn to overseas expertise once again as it seeks to improve the national women’s team’s performances.
The next step will be the formal recruitment process, with the board yet to identify Wahab’s prospective replacement or confirm the new coaching arrangement.
