PCB's Late Coaching Appointments Raise Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

PCB’s Late Coaching Appointments Raise Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) recent appointment of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for the white-ball and red-ball teams, respectively, has sparked debate within the cricket fraternity. The timing of the appointments, just days before the ICC T20 World Cup, has raised concerns among experts.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif expressed his apprehension over the late appointments. He highlighted the importance of stability and continuity in the lead-up to major tournaments. Latif emphasized that the timing of the appointments could put undue pressure on both Kirsten and Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

Despite his concerns, Latif acknowledged the experience and impressive records of both Kirsten and Gillespie. However, he stressed the need for earlier appointments to allow the coaches and players to build a strong working relationship.

The PCB’s announcement of an 18-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England also drew attention. The squad will be reduced to 15 players for the World Cup after the first T20I at Leeds on May 22.

The selection committee recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf and all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha to the squad. Wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan were dropped from the original 17-player squad that faced New Zealand.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Dublin on May 7 for a three-day training camp before the start of the T20I series. The team will be looking to build momentum and finalize their preparations for the World Cup.

Jason Gillespie: Authenticity and Consistency Key for Pakistan's Test Success

Jason Gillespie: Authenticity and Consistency Key for Pakistan’s Test Success

Pakistan’s newly appointed Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency for the team’s success. Gillespie believes that the players should embrace their natural style of play and avoid altering it to fit a specific method. He encourages them to maintain a positive and aggressive approach, even during the challenging grind of Test cricket.

Gillespie acknowledges the talent within the Pakistani squad but stresses the need for improved consistency. He aims to provide clarity and communication to the team, fostering a strong bond and a shared understanding of how to approach Test cricket.

The former Australian pace bowler highlights the team’s strengths, including skilled batsmen and fast bowlers who can swing the ball. He also recognizes the potential of the spinners. Gillespie believes that by harnessing these resources effectively, Pakistan can achieve success.

Gillespie’s role as a selector will allow him to play a more active role in shaping the team’s future. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and open communication in the selection process.

Gillespie’s ultimate goal is to help Pakistan become a formidable force in Test cricket. He believes that by instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in the players, the team can achieve its full potential.

Pakistan Appoints Gillespie and Kirsten as New Coaches

Pakistan Appoints Gillespie and Kirsten as New Coaches

Pakistan Appoints Jason Gillespie as Test Coach, Gary Kirsten as White-Ball Coach

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie as the new Test coach and former South African batter Gary Kirsten as the white-ball coach. Azhar Mahmood, who served as the interim assistant coach for the New Zealand series, will continue in that role across all formats.

The position of head coach had been vacant since Grant Bradburn, who succeeded Saqlain Mushtaq last year, resigned in January to join Glamorgan as head coach. The PCB had considered several high-profile candidates, including Shane Watson, but he withdrew from the running.

Gillespie, 52, is a highly respected figure in the cricketing world. He played 71 Tests and 97 ODIs for Australia, taking 408 and 142 wickets respectively. After retiring from playing, he coached Yorkshire and Sussex in England, and most recently served as the head coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.

Kirsten, 55, is another renowned coach. He led India to the 2011 Cricket World Cup title and South Africa to the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He has also coached the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

The appointments of Gillespie and Kirsten are seen as a significant step forward for Pakistan cricket. The team has struggled in recent years, but the new coaches are expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help them improve their performances.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja expressed his confidence in the new coaching team. “We are delighted to welcome Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten to the Pakistan cricket family,” he said. “They are both world-class coaches with a proven track record of success. We believe they will help our team reach new heights.”

Gillespie and Kirsten are expected to join the Pakistan team in time for their upcoming Test series against England, which begins on July 16.

PCB to Announce New Coaching Staff for Pakistan National Team

PCB to Announce New Coaching Staff for Pakistan National Team

Lahore, Pakistan – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to announce a new set of coaches for the national team by the end of this month, covering both red and white ball formats. The board has received applications from several reputed coaches, including South Africa’s Gary Kirsten and Australia’s Jason Gillespie.

The PCB has emphasized that the appointments will be made through a due process, with all commitments being met. The last time the board followed this process was in 2019, when Misbah-ul-Haq was named head coach and chief selector. Since then, appointments have been made on a consultancy or interim basis.

This time, the PCB will only invite candidates who have applied for the coaching positions. Even Kirsten and Gillespie, who have been in direct negotiations with the board, were asked to apply through the due process.

The PCB has also set April 20 as the deadline for candidates interested in applying for assistant coach positions. Azhar Mahmood, who was recently named head coach for the New Zealand series on a consultancy basis, will also have to go through the process.

The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has made it clear that the long-term appointments of coaches will be done through a due process. The board is expected to take time until the end of the month to reach a decision and make an announcement.

Jason Gillespie Steps Down as South Australia and Adelaide Strikers Coach

Jason Gillespie Steps Down as South Australia and Adelaide Strikers Coach

Jason Gillespie, a legendary figure in South Australian cricket, has announced his departure from his roles as head coach of both the South Australia Redbacks and the Adelaide Strikers. This decision marks the end of a remarkable era for Gillespie, who has played an integral role in shaping the state’s cricketing landscape.

Gillespie’s tenure with the Redbacks began in 2020-21, and despite a disappointing season this year, he has left an indelible mark on the team. Under his guidance, the Redbacks have shown signs of improvement, and he has been instrumental in developing young talent.

Gillespie’s success with the Adelaide Strikers has been even more pronounced. He took over as head coach in 2015-16 and led the team to their maiden BBL title in 2017-18. The Strikers have consistently performed under Gillespie’s leadership, reaching the playoffs on multiple occasions.

Gillespie’s departure comes at a time of transition for South Australian cricket. Tim Nielsen, the general manager of cricket, is also stepping down at the end of the season. These changes present an opportunity for the SACA to reassess its cricketing strategy and identify new leaders to guide the state’s teams to future success.

Gillespie’s legacy in South Australian cricket is secure. As both a player and a coach, he has represented the state with distinction and passion. His contributions have been invaluable, and he will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of the game in South Australia.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart