Pakistan's staff has grown by two as Gary Kirsten prepares to take over as white-ball coach.
Great South Africa coach Gary Kirsten will take over as coach of Pakistan next week as the Asian team finalises its coaching staff for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup next month.
Before Pakistan plays its Twenty20 International series against England at the end of this month, Kirsten will take up his position as white-ball coach. The four games will give the side some crucial match practice for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
With arch-rival India, Canada, Ireland, and the USA in Group A at the T20 World Cup, Pakistan—the 2014 champions—have announced that fielding coach Simon Helmot and mental performance coach David Reid will join the squad and offer Kirsten invaluable assistance at the 20-over showcase.
Kirsten, a former South Africa batter, is eager to get going, and her arrival has Pakistan thrilled about the possibility of a second T20 World Cup victory.
"I'm genuinely thrilled to start this new adventure with the Pakistan men's cricket squad. Coaching a group of this gifted and vibrant is an honour, and I can't wait to see them succeed abroad," Kirsten added.
For Pakistan cricket, these are exciting times indeed, with a new government and players who are motivated to produce good outcomes. The next ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024 offers us a great chance to demonstrate our abilities and preserve Pakistan's reputation as a powerful cricketing nation.
Success, nevertheless, will need teamwork, careful preparation, and unfailing encouragement of one another. We need to routinely beat our opponents in order to achieve our goals because there are 19 other teams fighting for the championship.
Personally, I have missed the chance to teach internationally and develop gifted athletes to their greatest potential. I swear to cooperate closely with the team to improve their performance and make fans happy everywhere.
Before their much anticipated match against India in New York on June 9, Pakistan plays co-hosts USA in Dallas on June 6.
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule and Groups