Pakistan Cricket Board Appoints Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as Head Coaches

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of the Pakistan men's white-ball teams and Jason Gillespie as the head coach of the Test side. Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will serve as the assistant coach for both formats. The appointments were revealed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in a press conference on Sunday.

Kirsten, a former South African cricketer who led India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title, will take charge of the limited overs side immediately after completing his duties with the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League. His first major assignment will be the 2024 T20 World Cup. "My primary objective is to ensure the team operates at its optimal level and maintain a stable environment," Kirsten said.

Gillespie, a former Australian fast bowler, will assume responsibilities for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh at home in August, followed by Tests against England at home in October and South Africa away in December in the 2024-25 season. "I love Test cricket and I'm looking forward to focusing on that format," Gillespie expressed.

Why this matters: The appointments of Kirsten and Gillespie signal the beginning of a new chapter for Pakistan cricket, aiming to bring stability and success to the national team. The PCB's decision to hire experienced coaches with proven track records is anticipated to enhance the team's performance in both white-ball and red-ball formats.

Both Kirsten and Gillespie have signed two-year deals with the PCB. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the appointments, stating that their expertise will guide the players to reach new heights. "We are confident that these coaches will help the talented Pakistani players unlock their full potential," Naqvi said during the press conference.

Key Takeaways

• PCB appoints Gary Kirsten as white-ball coach, Jason Gillespie as Test coach.
• Azhar Mahmood to serve as assistant coach for both formats.
• Kirsten's first major assignment will be the 2024 T20 World Cup.
• Gillespie to lead Pakistan in ICC World Test Championship fixtures.
• Appointments aim to bring stability and success to Pakistan's national team.