The Pakistan Cricket Board made significant appointments on Sunday, naming World Cup champion Gary Kirsten as the head coach for the ODI and T20 international teams. At the same time, former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie will assume the reins for Test cricket.
In addition to these appointments, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has been selected as the team’s assistant coach across all formats. Speaking at a press conference, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi expressed the significance of these appointments, stating, “The selection of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie underscores the importance we place on the Pakistan cricket team and the appeal that our players hold for foreign coaches.”
Naqvi further emphasized the board’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for the team, stating, “We aim to offer the best possible support to our team, which is why we have chosen Kirsten and Gillespie.”
Kirsten is set to take charge ahead of England’s tour of Pakistan commencing on May 22, featuring four T20 Internationals. Following this series, the team will gear up for the T20 World Cup scheduled for June.
Pakistan had been searching for a permanent head coach since the conclusion of the 50-over World Cup last year, where the team failed to progress to the knockout stages. After a period without a full-time coach, the PCB opted for Kirsten, who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, and Gillespie, renowned for his coaching stint with English county side Sussex.
