The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced three key individuals who will take charge of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. Jason Gillespie will lead the Pakistan cricket team in the red-ball format, while Gary Kirsten will manage the team in the white-ball format. Meanwhile, Azhar Mahmood has also been confirmed to be the assistant coach of Pakistan men’s team in all formats.
PCS said in a press release that the three appointments were made for two-year terms following a recruitment process.
Kirsten is currently in India as the batting coach for Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Titans. Under his leadership, India won his 2011 ODI World Cup and rose to number 1 in the ICC Test Team Rankings. Kirsten takes command of Pakistan at a critical juncture. Over the next two years, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be held, next year the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ACC T20 Asian Cup 2025 will be held in Pakistan, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India and Sri Lanka. .
Kirsten coached the South African men’s cricket team from 2011 to 2013, leading the team to number one in the ICC Test Team Rankings. Apart from GT, he has also worked with other IPL teams such as Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Kirsten wants to prioritize continuity.
Kirsten said, “We want to prioritize continuity in team selection as much as possible.”
“My goal is to unite the Pakistan Men’s White Ball Team, harness their great talents towards a common goal, and achieve success together on the field. As a coach, it’s very gratifying to help your players reach their full potential by understanding their team’s current situation and charting a path towards their desired goals. Winning an ICC event is a difficult but still important goal, whether it’s at a tournament in June or at a future event. It will be an amazing feat. My main objective is to ensure that the team operates at an optimal level. Success on the field depends on the team performing at its best. Consistency and continuity are values that I value. Fluctuations in player form are inevitable, but it is important to maintain a stable environment. I support players through their ups and downs. We are committed to prioritizing the continuation of the selection process.”
Meanwhile, Gillespie will take over responsibility for the ICC World Test Championship match against Bangladesh (home in August), followed by Tests against England (home in October) and South Africa (away in December) in the 2024-25 season. season.
“At the end of the day it’s all about playing the style of cricket that we want to play and that means we win matches, get the people excited and bring smiles to the faces of everyone involved in Pakistan cricket. We have a lot of quality fast bowlers in Pakistan and being able to utilize them will be key to our success and I know that’s what this role entails. All I had to do was work at my own pace, and I wouldn’t have taken the job if I didn’t think I could handle it.”
