Former Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait has agreed a deal with the Pakistan Cricket Board to become the national team’s bowling consultant, sources told Pakistan news media, Geo News on Sunday.
The PCB is expected to announce Tait’s appointment soon, with the 43-year-old likely to arrive in Pakistan early next week to begin his duties.
Tait has previously worked with Pakistan as their full-time bowling coach and knows the country’s pace-bowling setup. He represented Australia in three Tests, 35 ODIs and 21 T20Is.
The former paceman took charge of Pakistan’s bowling attack ahead of Australia’s tour of Pakistan in March 2022. He remained in the role until the end of Pakistan’s home series against New Zealand in January 2023.
Tait initially signed a one-year contract with the PCB, but the board did not renew the agreement after organisational changes.
He most recently worked with Bangladesh’s fast-bowling unit before leaving the role earlier this year.
During his time with Bangladesh, Tait raised concerns about the demands of working as a permanent bowling coach across all three formats. He preferred a consultancy role, which prompted the PCB to approach him, sources said.
Tait explained his decision to step down from Bangladesh’s full-time role at the time.
“The full-time role of year-round red and white-ball cricket, my 12 months was enough and it’s time to just step back and give my family a little bit more time,” he said.
Tait is expected to meet PCB officials after arriving in Pakistan and complete the remaining contractual formalities before formally taking charge of the national team’s pace attack.
His return comes ahead of a busy international schedule for Pakistan. The team face Sri Lanka in a home series featuring T20Is and Tests, while an ODI tri-series will also feature England as the third team.
