Nottinghamshire’s Paul Franks will lead Central Punjab in Pakistan’s First-Class and 50-over competitions during the country’s ongoing domestic season.

The Green and Golds’ Assistant Head Coach has recently departed for his new temporary role. He will return to Trent Bridge for the second half of pre-season in the new year.

Franks, who joined Notts’ coaching staff following a two-decade playing career in 2015, has previously broadened his horizons in T10 cricket with Team Abu Dhabi and in two stints with the United Arab Emirates national team. 

He has been part of Andy Flower’s Trent Rockets’ coaching staff for each of the first two editions of The Hundred.

Bilal Shafayat, the former Nottinghamshire all-rounder who currently holds a coaching role with the club's Second XI and pathway, will join Franks as Assistant Coach of the regional outfit. 

“Every time I get the opportunity to join a new team, I view it as a chance to develop personally and pass on knowledge to help them be successful,” Franks said. 

“I’ve accumulated experience by coaching at different levels of cricket, in various competitions and forms of the game, both at home and abroad.

“My coaching philosophy has evolved as a result. I’m looking forward to adding another experience this winter and, as ever, I’m hugely grateful for Nottinghamshire’s support in that as well. To experience this opportunity with Bilal, who has gone from strength to strength in his own coaching journey, makes it all the more special for the club. 

“On a personal note, it represents a chance to take myself out of my comfort zone slightly, learn about a new environment and watch how different players go about their work.

“I’m really keen to immerse myself in the culture, learn as much as I can, work with exceptional cricketers and return to Trent Bridge as a better, more experienced coach than I was before.”

The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy - Pakistan’s domestic First-Class competition - will be staged at Abbottabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Karachi from 27 September to 30 November. 

The season then concludes with the Pakistan Cup 50-over tournament, which will all be staged in Karachi from 10 December to 3 January. 

“When our coaches get opportunities to work abroad, we’re always keen to support them if we can,” said Nottinghamshire Head Coach Peter Moores. 

“Coaches are no different to players in that fresh experiences can move them forward and accelerate their development.

“This is an opportunity for Paul and Bilal to gain invaluable experience as a Head Coach and Assistant Coach respectively in both the longer format of the game and fifty over cricket. 

“To have to adapt to different conditions, a new culture, and a fresh group of players will be really challenging, but it is a brilliant opportunity for them to learn and grow.

“It’s also good recognition for two of our own coaches and shows Paul and Bilal's continued development. Everyone is right behind them and we look forward to getting them back in the New Year as we build towards the new season.”