Pakistan Appoints Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as Head Coaches for Different Formats

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made history by appointing separate coaches for different formats for the first time. Former South African opener Gary Kirsten and ex-Australian paceman Jason Gillespie have been named as head coaches for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June 2024.

Kirsten, who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, will be in charge of the white-ball teams, while Gillespie will take over the Test side. Both coaches have signed a two-year contract with the team.

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

Kirsten, currently coaching Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, will join the team on the England tour next month. Gillespie, who coached Yorkshire to English County Championship wins in 2014 and 2015, will join the team during the upcoming series against Bangladesh and England.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will serve as assistant coach to both Kirsten and Gillespie. Mahmood previously served as the interim head coach for the New Zealand Twenty20 international series.

These coaching appointments are part of Naqvi’s reorganization of cricket in Pakistan, which has also seen Babar Azam reappointed as white-ball captain and players undergoing fitness training at an army base.

Pakistan will play three T20 internationals in Ireland before facing England and then heading to the United States for the T20 World Cup. The team is gearing up for a successful campaign under the guidance of their new coaching staff.