Pakistan on Sunday announced former South African opener Gary Kirsten and former Australian paceman Jason Gillespie as head coaches for various formats ahead of the T20 World Cup to be held in June this year.
World Cup-winning coach Kirsten will take over the white-ball team, while Gillespie will look after the Test team on a two-year contract. It will be the first time that Pakistan will hire separate coaches for different formats.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore: “Kirsten and Gillespie are both well-known and experienced coaches and their appointment reflects the international community’s commitment to our team. It confirms the trust we have.”
Kirsten played 101 Tests and 185 One-Day Internationals for South Africa between 1993 and 2004, and coached India to victory in the 50-over World Cup in 2011.
The 56-year-old is currently coaching Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.
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He will join the squad for a tour of England next month against Pakistan and four other Twenty20 internationals.
“The most important thing is to understand the current situation of the team and chart a path towards the desired goal,” said Karsten.
“Winning a global event is a difficult but still important goal.
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“Success in these competitions will be an incredible feat, whether it’s a tournament in June or a future event.”
Gillespie, 49, played 71 Tests and 97 One-Day Internationals during his glittering career with Australia.
He coached Yorkshire to victory in the English County Championship in 2014 and 2015.
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“Leading the Pakistan cricket team is a huge achievement for any coach given its rich tradition and passionate fan base,” Gillespie said.
“I understand there are expectations and that comes with this role. All I can do is work at my own pace and I wouldn’t have taken the job if I didn’t think I could handle it. I guess.”
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will serve as assistant coach to Kirsten and Gillespie.
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Mahmood was Pakistan’s interim head coach during the New Zealand Twenty20 international series that ended 2-2 in Lahore on Saturday.
Gillespie will be in the squad when Pakistan host Bangladesh and England later this year.
The arrangement is part of Naqvi’s cricket restructuring, which has seen him reshuffle the selection committee since taking over at the PCB in February.
Babar Azam was reappointed as white-ball captain last month, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi, and the players have been training at an army base to improve their fitness.
Pakistan will also play three T20 internationals in Ireland before facing England before heading to the US for the T20 World Cup.
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