PCB appoints Gillespie, Kirsten as red and white ball head coaches

 

PCB appoints Gillespie, Kirsten as red and white ball head coaches

Azhar to assist as bridge between players and coaches

Appointments come for two years tenure

Asher Butt 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally made a significant announcement regarding the leadership of the national cricket team appointing Jason Gillespie as the red-ball head coach, while Gary Kirsten will take charge as the white-ball head coach.

Additionally, former cricketer Azhar Mahmood has been named as the assistant coach across all formats with duties to act as a bridge between the players and the head coaches. Garry will be joining the team during the upcoming Pakistan and England series while Gillespie will start his duties during the Bangladesh series and both the coaches will also be utlised in structure growth and domestic cricket development, informed Mohsin Naqvi, chairman PCB during a press conference here on Sunday. He was flanked by PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Salman Naseer and Azhar Mahmood.

The appointments come after a thorough recruitment process and are set for a duration of two years. The development comes after the said posts were left vacant after Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick were transferred to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore after a change in their portfolios in November 2023 following a change in PCB setup. The trio left their respective positions in January this year.

In a bid to strengthen the coaching staff, the PCB has entrusted Jason Gillespie with the responsibility of coaching the team in red-ball cricket, whereas Gary Kirsten will focus on the white-ball format. Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles, having enjoyed successful coaching careers at both domestic and international levels.

Gary Kirsten is set to assume his role immediately after completing his commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His tenure will coincide with several high-profile events, including the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kirsten's leadership will also extend to other bilateral white-ball series, showcasing his commitment to the team's long-term success.

On the other hand, Jason Gillespie will spearhead the team's campaign in the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh, England, and South Africa in the upcoming season. His focus on player development and excellence in team performance aligns with the PCB's vision for the future of Pakistan cricket.

Expressing his confidence in the newly appointed coaches, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded their exceptional track records and welcomed them to the Pakistan cricket family. He emphasized the board's commitment to providing top-tier resources and facilities to facilitate the team's growth and success.

Jason Gillespie expressed his gratitude to the PCB for the opportunity to lead the Pakistan cricket team in red-ball cricket. He highlighted his passion for Test cricket and his desire to nurture the abundant talent within the Pakistani squad. Gillespie's focus on player development and winning matches reflects his dedication to the team's success.

Similarly, Gary Kirsten expressed his honor in coaching the Pakistan men's national team in white-ball cricket. He emphasized the universal appeal of cricket and his goal of uniting the team towards a common objective. Kirsten's commitment to facilitating player growth and development underscores his vision for the team's future success.

Jason Gillespie is a former Australian cricketer with extensive coaching experience, Gillespie has coached various teams, including Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the Adelaide Strikers. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as the red-ball head coach.

Similarly, Gary Kirsten, a former South African cricketer and successful coach, has previously led the Indian and South African national teams to significant achievements. His leadership and strategic acumen make him a valuable addition to the Pakistan cricket coaching staff.

“The appointments of Gillespie and Kirsten mark a new chapter in Pakistan cricket, with the PCB aiming to harness their expertise to achieve success on the international stage. The coaches' focus on player development, strategic planning, and winning matches bodes well for the team's future prospects.”

“As Pakistan prepares for upcoming tournaments and series, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the impact of these coaching appointments on the team's performance and growth,” said a PCB official.

In response to queries regarding the preference for foreign coaches over local ones due to potential language barriers, PCB Chairman Naqvi emphasized the board's commitment to improving the national team's performance. He stated that if players did not know English, they would learn it, highlighting the primary objective of bringing in foreign coaches to enhance the team's capabilities.

Regarding the team's leadership, Naqvi confirmed that Babar Azam would continue as the skipper until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan is set to host. He also disclosed that the schedule for the Champions Trophy matches had already been submitted to the ICC.

Addressing concerns about the alleged mishandling of pacer Ishanullah's elbow injury, the chairman refrained from commenting, indicating that the cricketer's medical report would be available by Tuesday. He assured that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence.

Naqvi further highlighted the acquisition of a device for players' fitness data management, noting its significance in enhancing the team's performance. He emphasized the board's commitment to investing in cricket and providing necessary resources for player development.

Additionally, Naqvi underscored the importance of providing similar facilities and treatment to female cricketers as their male counterparts. He reaffirmed the PCB's dedication to promoting gender equality within Pakistani cricket and ensuring that female players receive adequate support and opportunities for growth.