Fakhar Zaman Explains Why He’ll Never Become a Coach

While he is nearing the twilight of his career, coaching, clearly, is not on the horizon.

By DTD- On Jul 10, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Fakhar Zaman has built a reputation on no-frills honesty and a fearless approach at the crease, so it should come as little surprise that when asked about his post-retirement plans, the left-hander gave an answer as blunt as one of his shots: he has no intention of becoming a coach. Not now, not ever.

Speaking candidly, the 35-year-old explained his disinterest in a coaching career for one very specific reason that has caught everyone’s eye.

“I have no intention of becoming a coach in the future. Coaching requires a lot of patience — which I don’t have. To become a coach, you have to fake your personality.”

It is the concluding remark that has raised eyebrows. In a cricket culture where many former players transition naturally into coaching or commentary roles, Fakhar Zaman’s authenticity has always been non-negotiable.

While Fakhar Zaman didn’t elaborate on which aspects of coaching felt “fake,” his broader message was clear: the modern coaching environment, with its delicate balancing of egos, constant media scrutiny, and need for polished diplomacy, doesn’t align with his personality.

The left-hander has been unapologetically himself even during his career, which has landed him in hot water with his own cricketing board on some occasions. It is very likely that his blunt, no-nonsense personality won’t suit the modern coaching style.

While he is nearing the twilight of his career, coaching, clearly, is not on the horizon.

Even if he never dons the coach’s tracksuit, Fakhar Zaman’s journey to becoming a world-class cricketer will continue to inspire future generations in Pakistan. But when it comes to guiding those next generations from the dugout, he’s made his stance clear: he’s happy to hand over the coaching clipboard to someone else.

Authentic to the last word, Fakhar Zaman once again reminded us why he remains one of Pakistan’s most refreshingly honest voices in cricket.