Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez had been appointed as the Pakistan national cricket team’s head coach and director.

The newly-appointed director will also serve as the team’s head coach for the Pakistan tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Pakistan are scheduled to play a series of three Tests against Australia and five T20Is against New Zealand.

The newly-looked Pakistan will be spearheaded by Shan Masood in Test cricket, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the T20I side.

– Babar Azam steps down –

Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan national team batter Babar Azam stepped down as the team captain in all formats after the World Cup debacle.

Taking to X, Azam said, "I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019."

“Over the past four years, I’ve experienced many highs and lows on and off the field, but I wholeheartedly and passionately aimed to maintain Pakistan’s pride and respect in the cricket world,” he added.

Babar said: “Reaching the number 1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management but I’d like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support during this journey”.

“Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. It’s a difficult decision but I feel it is a right time for this call,” he said.

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He added, “I will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication”.