In our latest exclusive interview, Shaun Tait – Australia’s former express fast bowler, former Pakistan bowling coach and current Karachi Kings bowling coach – unpacks his raw insights on T20 tactics, Pakistan cricket’s potential, and the evolving role of pace bowlers in modern cricket. From his World Cup-winning experience to shaping PSL stars, Tait delivers a masterclass on simplicity, consistency, and why "bowlers are back in the game."

By Saj Sadiq (April 17, 2025)

Key topics include:

"I’m practicing Yorkers until I’m tired": Tait’s on if he was to play T20 cricket today.

Why Karachi Kings "have been underachievers" – and how they plan to turn it around: Despite winning their first PSL title in 2020, Karachi Kings have struggled with consistency, finishing near the bottom in recent seasons due to lack of cohesion and underperformance of key players. They plan to reverse this by rejuvenating the squad with a mix of experienced stars like Shoaib Malik and promising local talent, under the guidance of experienced coach Phil Simmons, aiming to restore resilience and fighting spirit.

Batters’ fearlessness: How reckless hitting is creating opportunities for bowlers: The aggressive approach by batters in T20 cricket often leads to risky shots, which bowlers exploit by setting attacking fields and bowling Yorkers or slower balls to induce mistakes, turning the batters’ boldness into wicket-taking chances.

The PSL’s global standing: Why it’s "definitely one of the best" leagues: The Pakistan Super League has grown into a highly competitive tournament attracting international stars and top local talent, with strong fan engagement and quality cricket that rivals other premier T20 leagues worldwide, enhancing Pakistan’s cricketing profile

Sticking to strengths: Why overcomplicating tactics is a fast bowler’s worst enemy: Fast bowlers succeed best when they focus on their core skills like line, length, and pace rather than trying overly complex variations, which can lead to loss of rhythm and effectiveness, especially in high-pressure T20 scenarios.

Future ambitions: Tait’s desire to "keep a connection with Pakistan cricket" shows his commitment to contributing beyond playing, possibly through coaching or mentoring roles, helping develop cricket in Pakistan and maintaining ties with the vibrant PSL ecosystem.

Watch the full interview here:

https://youtu.be/xm1n5OwYKTw?si=ksKuOcGjBQhZC8dH