Former India Coach set to become new Head Coach for Pakistan

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The Pakistan Squad for the T20Is against New Zealand was announced on Tuesday (April 9) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now also appointed a head coach for the men's national team.

Former India coach Gary Kirsten has been appointed as the Head Coach for the team but he will only take over the duties after his current assignment with Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

The former South Africa player, who won the World Cup 2011 as India's coach, will be in charge during the T20 World Cup in June.

For the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, Former Pakistan fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been named as the head coach. The matches will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 18-27 April.

Pakistan have also named ex-players Mohammad Yousuf as batting coach and Saeed Ajmal as spin bowling coach. Former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has been named as the manager.

Babar Azam is set to lead Pakistan for the first time since he stepped down from captaincy after the World Cup 2023. The recently axed T20I captain Shaheen Afridi is also in the squad whereas Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir have been selected after their retirement reversals.

Md Yousuf explained the role of Kirsten and other support staff at the press conference on Tuesday.

"Asad Shafiq is from Karachi, Gary Kirsten is from South Africa. This isn't my decision. Everyone is a good cricketer here - who is here undeservedly? Abdul Razzaq is the best all-rounder Pakistan ever produced. Asad Shafiq played 80 Tests and performed everywhere. Wahab Riaz's performances are there for everyone to see. He (Bilal Afzal) is the best person for data. Nowadays, data is very important. If we don't have data, how do we know who is doing what? The captain is also part of the committee and Gary Kirsten is our head coach," Yousuf said.