Malik Waqar
Former Pakistan cricketer Yasir Arafat has been appointed as South Africa’s bowling consultant for the tri-nation ODI series featuring hosts Pakistan and New Zealand.
Yasir Arafat, who played three Tests, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is for Pakistan, arrived in Lahore from London and has joined the Proteas’ training camp ahead of their opening match against New Zealand on 10 February.
The former all-rounder is the first Pakistan Test cricketer to complete an ECB Level 4 coaching course at Loughborough University. He has served as a bowling coach for county teams such as Sussex and Surrey and worked with the Perth Scorchers in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
Additionally, Yasir Arafat has been Pakistan’s High-Performance Coach and the bowling coach for the Hong Kong national team.
Yasir Arafat described his new role as a valuable experience, attributing his appointment to his familiarity with local conditions.
“It is a good opportunity for me to work with the South Africa team. I’ve been given the role because of my familiarity with the conditions here,” he said.
While acknowledging the absence of senior players due to T20 leagues and injuries, he expressed confidence in South Africa’s younger players.
“Unavailability of experienced players makes a difference, but youngsters are also talented,” he added.
The tri-nation ODI series, running from 8 to 14 February, will serve as a key preparatory event for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on 19 February in Karachi.
Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match, while South Africa’s first game is scheduled for 10 February. The final will be played between the top two teams on 14 February.
