Pakistan Cricket Board Appoints Gary Kirsten, Jason Gillespie Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2024

With only a couple of months ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced new coaching staff. According to the reports, PCB has roped in Gary Kirsten, who helmed Team India win the 2011 World Cup, as their head coach for the white ball format. Kirsten is a former South African batter, who comes with a bag full of experience of coaching international and franchise teams. Not just that, teams like India, South Africa, and Gujarat Titans (IPL franchise) under Kirsten's guidance have delivered well in the past.

Pakistan has also appointed Jason Gillespie, the famous ex-Australian pacer, as their new red-ball coach.

At a press conference in Lahore, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi made the big announcement of the appointments of Gary Kirsten, Jason Gillespie, and the rest of the coaching staff members.

Notably, Pakistan's cricket governing body had sacked head coach Mickey Arthur after the team's 2023 ODI World Cup defeat. Since then the position of head coach has been vacant, and the team has been playing under the guidance of acting coaches.

Welcoming the cricket greats, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said "Their stellar track records precede them, and I warmly welcome Kirsten and Gillespie to the Pakistan cricket family."

"The PCB is unwavering in its commitment to furnish the national team with top-tier resources and facilities, fostering an environment conducive to unlocking their full potential and consistently delivering stellar performances," he added.

The PCB has also named former Pakistan cricketer Azhar Mehmood as assistant coach for all formats.

Earlier, media reports claimed that former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson may join Pakistan's national side for the big role, however, PCB failed to crack the deal with the former cricketer who helped Australia win World Cup titles in the past.

Currently, the Pakistan team is playing T20 series with New Zealand.