Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently announced the new head coaches for the senior men's national team.
Former India head coach Gary Kirsten, who guided the MS Dhoni-led side to the World Cup in 2011, will take charge of the white ball teams, while former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie will lead as the head coach for red-ball cricket.
The announcement was made by Chairman PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, during an official press conference held at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, April 28.
Speaking on the appointments, PCB chairman said, "I extend my congratulations to Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten on their appointments as the red and white-ball head coaches of the Pakistan men's cricket team, respectively. Their stellar track records precede them, and I warmly welcome them to the Pakistan cricket family."
The statement added, “In this background, I have every confidence that their expertise will guide our players to reach new heights, aligning with their inherent talent and the expectations of our passionate fans."
Mohsin Naqvi further added, "These high-quality appointments also present a remarkable opportunity for our players to glean insights from these seasoned professionals, refining their skills and fortifying their cricketing acumen."
Following the announcement of the new coaches, both Gillespie and Kirsten's visions for their respective roles have come to light.
The 49-year-old Gillespie thanked PCB for showing faith in him by saying, "I am grateful to the PCB for their faith in my abilities and giving me the honour of coaching one of the most highly-regarded and talented cricket teams in the traditional format of the sport."
He added, "Leading the Pakistan cricket team is a big achievement for any coach, given its rich legacy and passionate fan base."
While the 56-year-old former South Africa top-order batter Kirsten expressed his gratitude over his appointment as the head coach.
In his press conference he said, "It’s a tremendous honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of coaching the Pakistan men’s national team in white-ball cricket and to rejoin the international cricket arena after some time."
He further added, " I eagerly anticipate this opportunity and aim to contribute positively to the Pakistan men's national team in limited-overs cricket."
Meanwhile, Pakistan's former cricketer Azhar Mahmood has also been confirmed as an assistant coach across all formats.
Additionally, the PCB has confirmed through a press release that the three appointments have been made for a two-year period following a recruitment process.
