The former Pakistani Test cricketer, Atiq uz Zaman has moved to England, joining the three lions cricket team as its batting scout. He shared the news on his Twitter handle writing that,
I am happy to share that I have started a new role as England Batting Scout.
I am happy to share that I have started a new role as England Batting Scout. #NewJourney#NewInnings pic.twitter.com/khsvIfx3yP
— Atiq-uz-Zaman (@Atiq160Test) March 30, 2022
The ex-cricketer, who has played only three ODIs, one Test match, and plenty of domestic cricket, has been hired by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as the batting scout. He has also played club cricket for St Annes Cricket Club in Lancashire. Moreover, Atiq has also served Pakistan Cricket as a qualified coach.
According to his duties, Atiq will travel to several counties in search of new talent that will represent the England Cricket Team and England Lions. While talking to the media, he said,
“I am extremely grateful that the ECB saw me in a different light and thought I could do a fantastic job for them,”
“I am currently working as an ECB Level 4 Coach and am the highest qualified Pakistan Test cricketer. I will also be the first Pakistani to hold the position of ECB Batting Scout.,”
It is pertinent to mention that England and Lions scouts are roled in identifying, monitoring, and suggesting players for the national team. It also monitors and assesses players’ current preparedness and future potential to represent England.
The reports also suggest that Atiq, who was working as the fielding coach in the National High-Performance Center (NHPC), asked that the PCB offer him the same position with the national team, but the board turned him down.
