Pakistan name experienced duo as new head coaches

Jason Gillespie will take up the reins of the Test side, as previously reported by The Cricketer, while Gary Kirsten is set to head up the white-ball sides

Jason Gillespie is Pakistan's new Test head coach, with Gary Kirsten taking the reins for the nation's white-ball teams.

Gillespie, the former Australian fast bowler, had already stepped down from his role as head coach of South Australia and Adelaide Strikers with a year remaining on his contract. South Australia finished fifth in the Sheffield Shield while the Strikers reached the Challenger final in the Big Bash League.

The Cricketer reported in March that Gillespie was the frontrunner for the Test job.

Pakistan have been without a permanent head coach since Grant Bradburn left after a disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup at the end of last year.

"I am grateful to the PCB for their faith in my abilities and giving me the honour of coaching one of the most highly-regarded and talented cricket teams in the traditional format of the sport," said Gillespie. "Leading the Pakistan cricket team is a big achievement for any coach, given its rich legacy and passionate fan base.

"I love Test cricket and being able to focus on that is something I like very much. I also love the fact that there is so much talent in Pakistan. I like to think that I can help in some way to grow and develop the players. I want to win Tests – that is why I am taking this role. I love winning and I know we have got the skill to make that happen."

He added: "I understand there will be expectation and that comes with the role. All I can do is to take it in my stride and I would not have taken on the job if I did not think I could deal with it."

^{Kirsten has previously been head coach of South Africa and India (Lee Warren/Gallo Images)}

Kirsten, meanwhile, is the new limited-over head coach. Both Gillespie and Kirsten are on two-year deal, with Azhar Mahmood – who left Surrey earlier this month – acting as assistant coach across formats.

Kirsten, the South African, begins his role immediately after finishing up with Gujarat Titans at the Indian Premier League. His stint will begin in earnest with a T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean and USA, with next year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Gillespie will assume responsibilities for the World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh, which take place in August, followed by Tests against England in October and South Africa in December.

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