The Pakistan Cricket Board has named Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as the new head coaches of the white-ball and Test teams.
Gary Kirsten, the former India head coach celebrated for leading the MS Dhoni-led team to World Cup victory in 2011, will now head the white ball teams. Meanwhile, former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie will manage the Test team. Additionally, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the all-format assistant coach.
Gary Kirsten will commence his role as head coach of Pakistan’s white ball teams following the conclusion of his current commitments in the Indian Premier League. His tenure is set to be significant, featuring leadership roles in several key international tournaments. These include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2025, the ACC T20 Asia Cup in 2025, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka.
Gillespie will start with the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh in August, followed by a series against England in October and South Africa away in December for the 2024-25 season.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his enthusiasm about the appointments, stating, “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.”
Kirsten shared his excitement about the role, “It’s a tremendous honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of coaching the Pakistan men’s national team in white-ball cricket. I eagerly anticipate this opportunity and aim to contribute positively.”
Gillespie also expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him, saying, “I am grateful to the PCB for their faith in my abilities and for giving me the honour of coaching one of the most highly regarded and talented cricket teams in the sport’s traditional format. Leading the Pakistan cricket team is a big achievement for any coach, given its rich legacy and passionate fan base.”
