Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has granted a “free hand” to the men’s team’s coaches during a meeting with white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, and Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood. This meeting, focusing on team coaching, concluded with an agreement that players’ inclusion in the squad would be contingent on their fitness levels.
The context of this meeting is critical, occurring in the wake of severe criticism following Pakistan’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Green failed to advance to the Super Eight stage, showcasing subpar performance in batting, bowling, and fielding. They suffered a surprising loss to the United States and a subsequent disappointing defeat against India, leading to their early elimination from the tournament.
Kirsten had recently submitted a “confidential” assessment report on the national side’s performance in the World Cup, highlighting areas needing improvement. In the meeting, Naqvi and the coaches discussed a comprehensive plan to enhance the team’s batting, bowling, and fielding departments.
While acknowledging the abundant talent in Pakistan, the meeting participants recognized the current lack of a strong team combination. The foreign coaches shared their strategies to boost the team’s performance, with Naqvi expressing his full support for their suggestions. “We have full confidence in you and will support you fully regarding matters related to players’ coaching,” Naqvi assured the coaches.
Gillespie and Kirsten were appointed as Pakistan’s red and white-ball coaches respectively on a two-year contract. Kirsten, who led India to World Cup victory in 2011, began his tenure with Pakistan during the five-match T20I series against England and the T20 World Cup 2024. Gillespie is set to lead Pakistan for the first time during the red-ball series against Bangladesh, part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, scheduled for the end of August.
In his first press conference as red-ball coach, Gillespie expressed his enthusiasm for working with the team. “I am excited to work with the Pakistan cricket team,” Gillespie said. Reflecting on Pakistan’s last tour to Australia, where they lost the series 3-0 but had moments of dominance, Gillespie emphasized the need for consistency. “The Pakistan cricket team is very talented but the lack of consistency in performances is the main problem. We will see how we can bring continuity and consistency in performances,” he noted.
The decision to allow the coaches more autonomy comes as a strategic move to address the underlying issues in the team’s performance. With Naqvi’s backing, Kirsten, Gillespie, and Mahmood are expected to implement their plans rigorously, aiming to build a more cohesive and consistent team. This support is crucial as the coaches work to identify and nurture talent, develop effective team combinations, and instill a culture of sustained high performance.
As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, the focus will be on translating these plans into tangible improvements on the field. The coaching staff’s experience and strategic insights will be pivotal in this endeavor. The PCB’s commitment to supporting the coaches suggests a long-term vision for rebuilding the team’s strength and competitiveness on the international stage.
The cricketing fraternity will keenly watch how these initiatives unfold, hoping for a resurgence of Pakistan cricket that aligns with the nation’s rich cricketing heritage and potential. With the leadership of Kirsten and Gillespie, supported by the PCB’s strategic direction, there is optimism that Pakistan cricket can overcome its recent setbacks and emerge stronger.
