Pakistan has appointed former South African batsman Gary Kirsten as head coach of its men’s white-ball teams, while its Test team will be guided by former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie, the country’s cricket board said on Sunday.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will assist both head coaches, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said, adding that all three had signed two-year deals.
“Both of them are very famous coaches and their arrival confirms 100% the confidence they have in the potential of our team,” said PCB president Mohsin Naqvi.
Pakistan have been without a full-time head coach since Grant Bradburn left after failing to reach the knockout stage of the 50-overs World Cup in India last year.
Former captain Mohammad Hafeez served as team manager and head coach during Pakistan’s recent tour of Australia.
Pakistan’s Kirsten appointed an experienced coach who led India to the 50-over World Cup title in 2011, before the 56-year-old took over as South Africa coach.
He has also been in the Indian Premier League and is currently working as a mentor with the Gujarat Titans. He will take up his new role in Pakistan after the tournament is over.
“My main goal is to ensure the team operates at its optimal level. Success on the field depends on the team performing at its best,” Kirsten said.
“Consistency and continuity are values I hold dear. While fluctuations in players’ form are inevitable, maintaining a stable environment is crucial.”
He will join the team during their tour of England with four Twenty20 internationals next month and his first major assignment will be the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies in June.
Gillespie, who has coached national teams in India, England and Australia, will take over ahead of the two-Test series in Bangladesh in August.
“I love Test cricket and being able to focus on that is something I really enjoy,” Gillespie said.
“I also love the fact that there is so much talent in Pakistan. I like to think that I can help players grow and develop in some way.”
Sports content to make you think… or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered every Saturday.
Reuters
