LAHORE, Pakistan, April 28, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Pakistan Sunday announced former 
South African opener Gary Kirsten and ex-Australian paceman Jason Gillespie 
as head coaches for different formats ahead of the T20 World Cup in June this 
year.

World Cup-winning coach Kirsten will take over the white-ball teams while 
Gillespie will look after the Test side on a two-year contract -- the first 
time Pakistan has employed separate coaches for different formats.

"Both Kirsten and Gillespie are famous and experienced coaches and their 
appointment confirms the trust the international community has in our team," 
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore.

Kirsten played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals for South Africa 
between 1993 to 2004 before coaching India to win the 50-over World Cup in 
2011.

The 56-year-old is currently coaching Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier 
League.

He will join the team on the England tour next month where Pakistan will play 
four Twenty20 internationals. 

"Understanding the current state of the team and charting a path towards our 
desired goals is paramount," said Kirsten.

"Winning global events, while challenging, remains a significant objective. 

"Whether it's the upcoming tournament in June or events in the future, 
achieving success in these competitions would be a remarkable feat."

Gillespie, 49, played 71 Tests and 97 one-day internationals in a glorious 
career for Australia. 

He coached Yorkshire to win the English County Championship in 2014 and 2015.

"Leading the Pakistan cricket team is a big achievement for any coach, given 
its rich legacy and passionate fan base," said Gillespie. 

"I understand there will be expectation and that comes with the role. All I 
can do is to take it in my stride and I would not have taken on the job if I 
did not think I could deal with it."

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will serve as assistant coach to 
both Kirsten and Gillespie.

Mahmood was interim head coach of Pakistan for the New Zealand Twenty20 
international series which ended 2-2 on Saturday in Lahore.

Gillespie will join the team when Pakistan host Bangladesh and England later 
this year.

The arrangements are part of Naqvi's reorganisation of cricket since taking 
over at the PCB in February, which has seen the selection committee 
restructured.

Babar Azam was reappointed white-ball captain last month, replacing Shaheen 
Shah Afridi and players have been training at an army base to improve their 
fitness.

Pakistan will also play three T20 internationals in Ireland before facing 
England and then heading to the United States for the T20 World Cup.