PCB has appointed former cricketers Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal for the fast and Spin bowling department for the Pakistan Men’s cricket team.
PCB names Gul and Ajmal as Pakistan bowling coaches
Pakistan completed their World Cup campaign with four victories and failed to secure the spot in the knock-out stages. With many critics for their performance in the World Cup 2023, significant changes have been made in the management. Out of those, naming Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal as the Pakistan team’s bowling coaches will be expected to have some positive side in the team.
They will take over the side from their first assignment on the test series against Australia between December 14, 2023, and January 07, 2024, followed by a T20I series against New Zealand between January 12 – 21, 2024.
Gul has served as the bowling coach for the men’s team during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and the series against New Zealand at home ground this year.
Additionally, he was the bowling coach of the Quetta Gladiators in the last edition of the Pakistan Super League and was Afghanistan’s bowling coach in the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2022.
Gul has played 47 tests, 130 ODIs, and 60 T20Is for the Pakistan team between 2003 and 2016 and picked 378 wickets for his nation.
“I am pleased to join as the bowling coach of the Pakistan team and feel honored to have been given the opportunity to contribute to Pakistan cricket by the Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf,” said Gul.
“Having had previous working experience with the men’s side, I will bring my coaching expertise with the aim of elevating Pakistan’s bowling prowess to new heights.”
Ajmal, Pakistan’s spin bowling coach has played 35 tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, picking 447 wickets across the three formats including the No.1 ranked ODI bowler. He has served as the spin bowling coach of Islamabad United, the franchise of the Pakistan Super League.
“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity provided by the Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf to serve as the spin bowling coach,” said Ajmal.
“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,” he concluded.
Pakistan will be playing the first Test match against Australia between December 14-18, 2023 at Optus Stadium.
