The PCB also hired Simon Helmott and David Reid as defensive coach and mental performance coach respectively.
ESPNcricinfo Staff
Gary Kirsten will begin his two-year term as head coach of the Pakistan men’s national team at Leeds on May 19, the PCB announced in Lahore on Tuesday.
This will give him three days to spend time with the players and other coaching staff before the first of the four-match T20I series against England at Headingley on May 22. The series will be Pakistan’s last match in the Caribbean before the T20 World Cup. In the United States, the campaign begins with a match against the United States in Dallas on June 6th.
“With a new administration and players eager to deliver solid results, these are certainly thrilling times for Pakistan cricket,” Kirsten said in a statement. “The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is a great opportunity for us to showcase our skills and uphold Pakistan’s tradition as a formidable powerhouse in the world of cricket.
“However, success requires collective effort, careful planning and unwavering support for each other. With 19 other teams vying for the title, realizing our aspirations will always require rivals must be exceeded.”
“I missed the experience of coaching at international level and developing talented players to reach their full potential.”Gary Kirsten
“On a personal level, I missed the experience of coaching at international level and developing talented players to reach their full potential. I am committed to bringing joy to people.” ”
Kirsten’s most famous coaching achievements are with the Indian national team, where she was the head coach from 2008 to 2011 and won the 2011 ODI World Cup. He then served as the head coach of the South African national team for two years and is currently the batting coach of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
PCB also brought on Simon Helmott and David Reid as fielding coach and mental performance coach respectively. The board announced that Reid will join the team on May 20th and continue until the end of the World Cup, while Helmott will join the team on May 31st. Aftab Khan, who is currently the team’s fielding coach, said, “I will accept the highest responsibility.” If Helmot takes over, he will become the World Cup performance coach.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said: “Ensuring the mental health and well-being of elite cricketers is not just a priority, it is a fundamental commitment.” “Recognizing that their performance on the field is intricately linked to their mental state, we took decisive action to provide them with the best possible support.
“That’s why we welcome David Reid to our company, a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years of experience as a qualified mental health clinician, world record holder, Olympian and top sports franchisee. His track record of success working with AFL teams such as Chennai Super Kings, Melbourne Stars and Essendon Football Club speaks volumes.
“With his expertise in improving both function and performance, I am confident that our players will receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive on and off the field.”
Last month, Kirsten and Jason Gillespie were announced as Pakistan’s next white-ball and red-ball head coaches, respectively. According to the PCB, Gillespie is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in July in time for the World Test Championship series against Bangladesh at home.