Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appoints Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for ODIs and T20Is, and Test cricket respectively, with Azhar Mahmood as assistant coach across all formats

In a major development for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of 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.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi expressed confidence in the appointments during a media conference, emphasizing the value attributed to the Pakistan cricket team and the potential seen by foreign coaches in the players. Naqvi highlighted the PCB’s commitment to providing the team with the best resources and facilities, underscoring the significance of the appointments of Kirsten and Gillespie.

Kirsten is set to assume his role ahead of Pakistan’s tour of England from May 22, which includes four T20Is leading up to the T20 World Cup in June. The appointments come in the aftermath of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 50-over World Cup last year, leading to the overhaul of the coaching staff.

After undergoing significant changes, including the removal of Babar Azam from the captaincy, Pakistan struggled to secure 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 selection of foreign coaches.

The appointments of Kirsten and Gillespie signify a new era for Pakistan cricket, with seasoned mentors at the helm. This move marks a significant stride in Pakistan cricket’s quest for excellence, as the team looks to make a mark under the guidance of experienced coaches with proven track records in international cricket.