Former Pakistan All-Rounder Yasir Arafat Joins South Africa’s Coaching Staff as Bowling Consultant

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has joined the South African coaching staff as a bowling consultant ahead of the upcoming tri-nation ODI series. Arafat arrived in Pakistan from London and has joined South Africa’s training camp in Lahore in preparation for their opening match of the series against New Zealand on February 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Yasir Arafat, who represented Pakistan in three Test matches, 11 ODIs, and 13 T20Is between 2000 and 2012, has an impressive coaching background. He completed his ECB Level 4 coaching course from Loughborough University, becoming the first Pakistan Test cricketer to do so. Arafat has also worked as a bowling coach for various county teams, including Sussex and Surrey, and has contributed to the renowned Big Bash League (BBL) franchise, the Perth Scorchers.

Additionally, Arafat has served as Pakistan’s High-Performance Coach and the bowling coach for the Hong Kong national team.

The tri-nation ODI series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, will take place from February 8 to 14. The matches will be played at the newly constructed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

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The tournament begins with Pakistan taking on New Zealand on February 10 at Gaddafi Stadium. South Africa will face New Zealand on February 10 at 09:30 AM, followed by a match between Pakistan and South Africa on February 12 at National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The final will be held on February 14 between the top two teams.

This series will provide an important opportunity for all three teams to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19 in Karachi, with Pakistan facing New Zealand.