By PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday the appointment of South Africa’s Gary Kirsten and Australia’s Jason Gillespie as coaches for Pakistan’s men’s national cricket team. Kirsten will serve as the team’s white-ball coach, while Gillespie will take on the role of red-ball coach. Former cricketer Azhar Mahmood, who previously served as head coach for the T20I series against New Zealand, will now act as assistant coach for both formats.
According to Naqvi, the coaching appointments are for a two-year term, filling vacancies left by Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick, who were transferred to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore in November 2023.
Kirsten is expected to join the team during the England tour, while Gillespie will join for the Bangladesh series. Naqvi addressed concerns about language barriers with foreign coaches, stating that players can learn English, and the aim of hiring foreign coaches is to improve the team.
Regarding team leadership, Naqvi confirmed Babar Azam will continue as captain until the Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan. The PCB has already sent the match schedule to the ICC.
Naqvi declined to comment on allegations of mishandling pacer Ishanullah’s elbow injury, stating that a medical report will be available by Tuesday, and appropriate action will be taken against those responsible for negligence.
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