NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan Test all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will serve as the head coach of the national team during its upcoming tour of Ireland and England until the arrival of new white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten.
Kirsten, recently appointed on a two-year contract by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is currently occupied with coaching duties for the Gujarat Titans franchise in the IPL, raising uncertainty about his availability for the Pakistan team's tour.
If the Gujarat Titans do not qualify for the IPL playoffs, Kirsten is expected to join the Pakistan team at the commencement of the T20 series against England. In Kirsten's absence, Mahmood, who serves as the assistant coach to South African and red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie, will step in as the acting head coach.
Additionally, the PCB has appointed former Test batsman Muhammad Yousuf as the team's batting coach and Saeed Ajmal as the spin bowling coach for the tour. These appointments aim to bolster the coaching staff and provide valuable expertise to the players as they prepare for the challenges ahead in Ireland and England.
Pakistan squad support staff: Wahab Riaz (Senior Team Manager), Mansoor Rana (Team Manager), Azhar Mahmood (Head Coach for Ireland and Assistant Coach for England after inclusion in Gary Kirsten's team), Mohammad Yousuf (Batting Coach), Aftab Khan (Fielding Coach), Cliff Deacon (Physiotherapist), Irtiza Komail (Chief Security Officer), Mohammad Imran (Masseur), Mohammad Khurram Suroor (Team Doctor), Talha Butt (Analyst), Raza Kitchlew (Media and Digital Manager), and Drikus Saiman (Strength and Conditioning Coach).
(With PTI inputs)
