Gary Kirsten was recently appointed Pakistan’s head coach. The former Protean cricketer is best known for coaching his Indian cricket team and winning the ICC ODI World Cup 2011.
Ahead of the upcoming T20I World Cup, India’s arch-rivals Pakistan have appointed Kirsten as their head coach in the white-ball format. Meanwhile, former Australian speedster Jason Gillespie has been appointed as Test coach.
Former Protean skipper AB de Villiers reflected on his compatriot’s new job in the Pakistan cricket team. De Villiers defended Kirsten and spoke about how his inclusion in the team will lead them in the right direction.
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What did AB de Villiers say about Gary Kirsten’s appointment as head coach of Pakistan national team?
AB de Villiers praised Gary Kirsten’s appointment as head coach of the Pakistan national team. The former Proteans captain warned other teams that it was a “more sophisticated Pakistan”.
The 40-year-old cricketer also hopes that under the guidance of Gary Kirsten, some of the players will break through and make their mark on the world stage.
“Get ready to see a more sophisticated Pakistan and get ready to see some players rise to the top, make a name for themselves on the world stage and take their game to the next level.” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
AB de Villiers said of the appointment of Gary Kirsten as Pakistan’s white-ball coach: “We are preparing to see a more sophisticated Pakistan, with some players rising to the top and establishing themselves on the world stage. We’re ready to present and watch them take their game to the next level.” #cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) May 3, 2024
Read more: Who is the coach of Pakistan cricket team?
What’s next for Gary Kirsten and Pakistan?
Pakistan’s journey in the T20 World Cup begins on June 6, 2024, when they take on the hosts United States in Dallas.
However, the Greenshirts are scheduled to play two preliminary bilateral series against Ireland, followed by a match against neighbors England.
Pakistan’s next match will be against Ireland in Dublin on May 10, 2024. Both countries will play a three-match T20I series ahead of the World Cup.