Gary Kirsten, the newly appointed white-ball head coach of Pakistan, has spilt the beans about accepting the offer to take the role ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
The former South African batter, during a recent episode of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast, shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead Pakistan’s national team into the upcoming limited-overs cricket season.
Expressing his excitement, Kirsten described coaching the Pakistan men’s team as a wonderful opportunity and expressed his eagerness to once again be involved in international cricket after a hiatus.
Why did Gary Kirsten accept to become Pakistan coach?
Kirsten highlighted the allure of working with some of the world’s best cricketers as the driving force behind his decision to accept the opportunity.
“I think Pakistan sits as one of the top four to five coaching jobs in the world internationally. The proposition to work with some of the best cricketers in the world was appealing to me,” he said.
Looking forward to collaborating with renowned Pakistani players such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, Kirsten expressed his desire to understand what drives them and how he can assist them in reaching their full potential.
“You know your household names – your Babar Azam, your Mohammad Rizwan, your Shaheen Afridi, your Haris Rauf. I’m looking forward to understanding what makes them tick and how I can help them to be the best versions of themselves,” Kirsten noted.
Does Kirsten follow Pakistan cricket?
Despite not closely following Pakistan’s white-ball cricket until his appointment, Kirsten revealed his familiarity with the players through various tournaments, including the World Cup and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“I’m familiar with all the players pretty much just watching them through the various tournaments,” Kirsten remarked, emphasizing the global presence of Pakistani cricketers.
Recognizing the invaluable contribution of assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, Kirsten emphasized their collaborative approach to optimizing player performance.
“Absolutely, he’s been an incredible help,” Kirsten remarked, highlighting Mahmood’s deep understanding of the players and the cricketing landscape.
“Our role is really to enable the team to play at its best,” Kirsten concluded, underscoring their collective commitment to facilitating the team’s success on the international stage.
As Pakistan gears up for the 2024 World Cup, Gary Kirsten’s appointment heralds a new chapter in the nation’s white-ball cricket journey, promising excitement and anticipation for fans and players alike.
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