In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been appointed as the new Test coach for the national team. At the same time, former South African batter Gary Kirsten has been named the white-ball coach. These appointments come after a thorough recruitment process and are part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) efforts to strengthen its coaching setup.
The position of head coach had been vacant since Grant Bradburn stepped down in January to join Glamorgan as head coach. The PCB had approached several high-profile names for the role, including Shane Watson, before finalizing on Gillespie and Kirsten.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the appointments at a press conference in Lahore, expressing confidence in the new coaches’ abilities to guide the team to new heights. He described Gillespie’s coaching career as marked by success at both domestic and international levels, with a focus on player development and team performance. He also praised Kirsten’s coaching pedigree, highlighting his ability to instill a winning mentality and develop young talent.
“I warmly welcome them to the Pakistan cricket family,” Naqvi said of Kirsten and Gillespie. “Their expertise will guide our players to reach new heights, aligning with their inherent talent and the expectations of our passionate fans.”
Gillespie’s first assignment will be the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in August, while Kirsten is expected to take over ahead of the England tour, which includes a four-match T20I series starting on May 22 in Leeds.
Azhar Mahmood, who was serving as the assistant coach on a temporary basis for the New Zealand series, will continue in his role across all formats.
The PCB is committed to providing top-tier resources and facilities to the national team, aiming to create an environment conducive to unlocking the players’ full potential and delivering stellar performances consistently.
These appointments present a remarkable opportunity for Pakistani players to learn from seasoned professionals like Gillespie and Kirsten, refining their skills and cricketing acumen.
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