Lahore, 14 May 2024: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Gary Kirsten will commence his two-year tenure as the white-ball head coach of the national men’s cricket team on 19 May.
Kirsten’s arrival will precede the four-match T20I series against England, set to kick off on 22 May at Headingley. This series will serve as a crucial precursor to the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in the United States and the Caribbean, where Pakistan will face hosts in their opener on 6 June.
The 56-year-old South African, confirmed as the white-ball head coach alongside Jason Gillespie as the red-ball head coach last month, expressed his excitement for the new role. Kirsten stated, “I’m truly excited to embark on this new journey with the Pakistan men’s cricket team. It’s an honor to coach such a talented and dynamic team, and I’m eager to contribute to their success on the international stage.”
Kirsten emphasized the significance of collective effort, meticulous planning, and unwavering support among the team members to achieve success. With upcoming tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Kirsten aims to elevate Pakistan’s game and uphold its legacy as a formidable force in cricket.
The PCB, on the recommendation of the team management, has bolstered the player support personnel by adding Simon Helmot as the fielding coach and David Reid as the mental performance coach. Reid, a seasoned expert with nearly two decades of experience as a Qualified Mental Health Clinician, will join the team on 20 May and continue his tenure until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Helmot will team up with the national side on 31 May for the USA and Caribbean event.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being for elite cricketers, underscoring the commitment to providing comprehensive support. He stated, “Ensuring the mental health and well-being of our elite cricketers is not just a priority, but a fundamental commitment.” Naqvi expressed confidence in Reid’s expertise, citing his successful track record with world-record holders, Olympians, and top-tier sports franchises.
Furthermore, Aftab Khan, the current fielding coach, will assume responsibilities as the High-Performance Coach for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup following Helmot’s arrival. These strategic appointments underscore PCB’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for players, both on and off the field.
As Gary Kirsten prepares to take charge of Pakistan’s white-ball campaign, anticipation brews within the cricketing fraternity, with hopes high for a fruitful and successful tenure under his guidance.