Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Appoints Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as Head Coaches for ODIs and T20Is, and Test Cricket respectively

In a major development for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed renowned coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for ODIs and T20Is, and Test cricket respectively. Additionally, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the assistant coach across all formats.

The announcement was made by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi during a media conference, where he expressed confidence in the appointments and highlighted the value attributed to the Pakistan cricket team by foreign coaches. Naqvi emphasized the PCB’s commitment to providing the team with the best resources and facilities.

Kirsten is set to assume his role ahead of Pakistan’s tour of England, which includes four T20Is leading up to the T20 World Cup in June. The appointments come after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 50-over World Cup last year, which led to the overhaul of the coaching staff.

Following the ICC event, Pakistan made significant changes, including the removal of Babar Azam from the captaincy. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shan Masood have taken over leadership duties in white-ball cricket and Tests respectively. Despite approaching high-profile names like Matthew Hayden and Shane Watson, Pakistan faced challenges in securing a full-time head coach until finalizing Kirsten and Gillespie.

Naqvi stressed the importance of leveraging external expertise to address fitness concerns and optimize performance, leading to the appointments of Kirsten and Gillespie. The move marks a significant stride in Pakistan cricket’s quest for excellence under the guidance of seasoned mentors with proven track records in international cricket.

The appointments of Kirsten and Gillespie have generated excitement among fans and players alike, signaling a new era for Pakistan cricket under the leadership of these esteemed coaches.