Mohammad Yousuf, the former Pakistan captain and a celebrated batter, has resigned from his position as batting coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), concluding his latest stint with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Sources indicate that Yousuf submitted his resignation to the PCB earlier this week, citing personal commitments as the primary reason for his departure.

The 50-year-old Yousuf had previously been involved with the men's national team, even serving as the batting coach during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand. However, he was noticeably absent from the coaching staff during the home series against Bangladesh, which suggested a potential change in his role. His resignation now confirms that his departure from the current management setup was a personal decision.

Yousuf's appointment as NCA batting coach was aimed at developing the next generation of Pakistani batters. His extensive experience and classic technique were considered valuable assets, especially for a batting lineup often struggling with consistency. Over the years, he had also worked intermittently with the senior team, offering his expertise and guidance.

While the PCB has yet to release an official statement regarding Yousuf's resignation, insiders suggest that his departure was amicable, and the possibility of future collaboration remains open. This indicates that Yousuf maintains a positive relationship with the board and could potentially return in a different capacity in the future.

Yousuf's departure marks the end of another chapter in his relationship with the PCB. Last year, he resigned from the national selection committee, also citing personal reasons. Despite these departures, his contributions to Pakistan cricket have been significant, including his role as head coach of the Pakistan U-19 team, which secured third place in the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024 in South Africa.

As the PCB continues to refine its coaching structure in light of upcoming international assignments, Yousuf's exit is expected to prompt further reshuffling within the development pathways at the NCA. The board is likely to seek a replacement who can continue to nurture young batting talent and contribute to the overall improvement of Pakistan's cricket.

Whether Mohammad Yousuf's departure signifies a permanent end to his involvement with Pakistan cricket or is merely a temporary hiatus remains uncertain. However, his exit represents a significant loss of a technically astute voice in Pakistan's evolving cricket ecosystem. His experience and insights will be missed by the players and coaches at the NCA.