Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie named as cricket coaches for Pakistan

In a groundbreaking move, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former South African opener Gary Kirsten and ex-Australian paceman Jason Gillespie as head coaches for different formats ahead of the T20 World Cup in June this year.

Kirsten, who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, will take charge of the white-ball teams, while Gillespie will be responsible for the Test side on a two-year contract. This marks the first time Pakistan has employed separate coaches for different formats, showcasing the PCB’s commitment to enhancing the team’s performance across all formats.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed confidence in the appointments, stating, “Both Kirsten and Gillespie are famous and experienced coaches, and their appointment confirms the trust the international community has in our team.”

Kirsten, a veteran of 101 Tests and 185 ODIs for South Africa, is currently coaching Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League. He will join the team on their upcoming tour of England, where Pakistan will play four Twenty20 internationals.

Gillespie, who played 71 Tests and 97 ODIs for Australia, has coaching experience with Yorkshire, leading them to victory in the English County Championship in 2014 and 2015. He expressed his excitement at leading the Pakistan cricket team, acknowledging the rich legacy and passionate fan base of the team.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will serve as assistant coach to both Kirsten and Gillespie, further strengthening the coaching staff. The appointments come as part of Naqvi’s reorganization of cricket in Pakistan, which has also seen Babar Azam reappointed as white-ball captain and players undergoing rigorous training to improve their fitness.

With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Pakistan is gearing up for a successful campaign under the guidance of Kirsten and Gillespie, aiming to achieve success in global events and make their passionate fans proud.