In a bid to rejuvenate the performance of the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of former cricketers Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal as the Fast Bowling and Spin Bowling Coaches, respectively. The decision comes after a comprehensive overhaul of the management and coaching staff following the team’s disappointing performance in the World Cup 2023.
After the World Cup 2023 setback, Mohammad Hafeez has assumed the role of Team Director, Wahab Riaz as Chief Selector, and Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi were appointed as Test and T20 captains, respectively.
Umar Gul’s Excitement and Vision
Umar Gul, who previously served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan team during the T20I series against Afghanistan and New Zealand, expressed his enthusiasm about the new role. He stated, “I am pleased to join as the bowling coach of the Pakistan team and feel honoured to contribute to Pakistan cricket. I will bring my coaching expertise with the aim of elevating Pakistan’s bowling prowess to new heights.”
Gul, with a distinguished international career representing Pakistan in 47 Tests, 130 ODIs, and 60 T20Is, aims to leverage his experience to enhance the team’s bowling performance. He emphasized, “Having had previous working experience with the men’s side, I am determined to contribute to Pakistan cricket’s success.”
Saeed Ajmal’s Spin Bowling Expertise
Former world no. 1 ODI bowler, Saeed Ajmal, is set to take charge as the Spin Bowling Coach. With an illustrious international career that spanned 35 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, Ajmal has a wealth of experience in spin bowling. Ajmal, who also served as the spin bowling coach for Islamabad United in the HBL PSL, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided by the PCB.
“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity provided by Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr. Zaka Ashraf to serve as the spin bowling coach. I am delighted to contribute to the development of spin bowling talent within the Pakistan national team. I believe my career and coaching experience will help enhance the spin bowling arsenal of the team,” said Ajmal.
Upcoming Assignments
Gul and Ajmal’s inaugural assignments include the Test series against Australia scheduled from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024, and the T20I series against New Zealand from January 12 to 21, 2024.
In this strategic move, the PCB aims to fortify the team’s bowling department, drawing on the expertise of these cricketing legends. As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates these developments, all eyes will be on Gul and Ajmal as they guide the next generation of Pakistani bowlers.
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