Pakistan Cricket Board appoints Gillespie and Kirsten as men’s head coaches

Kirsten to take charge in limited overs formats and Gillespie in Tests after months of turmoil in Pakistan cricket.

Former South Africa batter and coach Gary Kirsten has been appointed head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team in limited overs cricket ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, while former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been appointed the head coach of the Test team.

The announcement on Sunday at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters in Lahore follows months of turmoil at the board, where the coaching staff, captains and management went through several changes after Pakistan finished fifth at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, failing to qualify for the semifinals.

Gillespie – who played 71 Tests and 91 one-day internationals (ODIs) – will leave his role as the coach of South Australia in his home country.

“I’m really keen for Pakistan to play our way,” Gillespie told Al Jazeera shortly before his appointment was confirmed.

The 49-year-old, nicknamed Dizzy, said he wants the team to “be authentic and genuine”.

“Let’s entertain our fans with a bit of fun and play with smiles on our faces,” Gillespie said.

Gillespie to coach Pakistan in red-ball cricket, Kirsten in white-ball cricket

Details here ⤵️ https://t.co/GnCUDwPLfw

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) April 28, 2024

Azhar Mahmood, the former Pakistan all-rounder who has been part of the coaching set-up on several occasions, will be retained as cross-format assistant coach.

Meanwhile, Kirsten, who led India to their second World Cup title in 2011 and coached South Africa’s men’s team in addition to several stints in club and franchise cricket, will take charge of the limited overs side immediately after completing