Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Sunday announced the board's decision to bring in South Africa's Gary Kirsten and Australia's Jason Gillespie as the coaches for the men's national side.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the PCB chairman said that Kirsten is being appointed as the national side's white-ball coach while Gillespie is being given the role of the team's red-ball coach.
Furthermore, former cricketer Azhar Mahmood, who was appointed as the team's head coach for the recently concluded T20I series against the New Zealand, will assume responsibilities as assistant coach for both formats, Naqvi added.
The coaches' appointment, as per the PCB chief, is for a period of two years.
Praising Kirsten and Gillespie for their impressive record, Naqvi expressed confidence that the duo's expertise will guide the players to new heights and said that their appointment presents a remarkable opportunity for Pakistani players to glean insights from these seasoned professionals, refining their skills and fortify their cricketing acumen.
The development comes after the said posts were left vacant after Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick were transferred to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore after a change in their portfolios in November 2023 following a change in PCB setup.
The trio left their respective positions in January this year.
Commenting on the timeline when the new coaches will join the team, the PCB chairman revealed that Kirsten would join the Green Shirts on the England tour, whereas Gillespie will join the team in the Bangladesh series.
Responding to a question as to why the board doesn't prefer local coaches due to the language barrier, Naqvi said that if a player did not know English, he would learn it and that purpose of bringing foreign coaches is to improve the team.
Furthermore, on the issue of future of the team's leadership, the PCB chief confirmed that Babar Azam will continue to fulfil his responsibilities as the national side skipper till the Champions Trophy 2025 which is set to be hosted by Pakistan.
He also revealed that the schedule of the Champions Trophy has already been sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Addressing the alleged mishandling of pacer Ishanullah's elbow injury by the board, the chairman abstained to comment on it and said that the cricketer's medical report will be available by Tuesday and action will be taken against whoever is responsible for negligence.
Who are Pakistan's new foreign coaches?
Kirsten represented South Africa in 101 Tests and 185 ODIs from 1993-2004, where he accumulated 14,087 runs with 34 centuries. On his appointment, he said that his goal as the team's white-ball coach would be to ensure the team operates at its optimal level.
"My goal is to unite the Pakistan men’s white-ball team, harnessing their considerable talents towards a common objective, and achieving success together on the field," he said.
He has previously coached India from 2008-2011 and helped them to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011 title as well as number one position on the ICC Test Team Rankings.
He then coached South Africa men’s cricket team from 2011-2013 and inspired them to No.1 position on the ICC Test Team Rankings.
Currently, Kirsten is serving as the batting coach for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Gujarat Titans — the winners of the tournament's 2022 edition.
Meanwhile, Gillespie, an ex-Australian fast bowler who played 71 Tests, 97 ODIs and one T20I from 1996-2006 wherein he bagged a total of 402 wickets, was part of the Australia squad that won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2003.
Commenting on his role with the Green Shirts, the Aussie underscored that the national side's number of high-quality fast bowlers and their utilisation would be a key to the team's success.
"I also love the fact that there is so much talent in Pakistan. I like to think that I can help in some way to grow and develop the players. I want to win Tests [and] that is why I am taking this role," he said.
As an England Cricket Board (ECB) accredited Level 4 coach, Gillespie is credited with with the development of England stars Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance and Joe Root during his time with Yorkshire — the club which won back to back County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015 under his coaching.
The former cricketer has also coached Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Adelaide Strikers from 2015-2024 — with the side winning the 2017-18 edition — and Zimbabwe (2010-2012) and Papua New Guinea (2017).
Source: Geo News