PCB reveals Gary Kirsten's arrival plans ahead of England series

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Gary Kirsten will commence his role as the white-ball head coach for the national men’s team on 19 May in Leeds, marking the beginning of his two-year tenure. 

Kirsten's arrival precedes the four-match T20I series against England starting on 22 May at Headingley. This series will serve as a lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and the Caribbean, with Pakistan facing the hosts in their opening match in Dallas on 6 June.

The 56-year-old South African is set to join Pakistan amidst a series of crucial events in the cricketing calendar.

Gillespie will join the team in Pakistan in July ahead of the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh in August.

Kirsten has expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to the team's success. He also acknowledged the exciting times for Pakistan cricket, highlighting the new administration and the team's drive to deliver solid results.

“I'm truly excited to embark on this new journey with the Pakistan men’s cricket team. It's an honor to coach such a talented and dynamic team, and I’m eager to contribute to their success on the international stage," Kirsten said.

“These are indeed thrilling times for Pakistan cricket, with a new administration and players who are driven to deliver solid results. The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our skills and uphold Pakistan's legacy as a formidable force in cricket," he added.

The former cricketer also noted the challenges ahead, mentioning the need for collective effort and meticulous planning.

“However, success will require collective effort, meticulous planning and unwavering support for one another. With 19 other teams vying for the title, we must consistently outperform our rivals to realise our aspirations," he said.

“On a personal level, I’ve missed the experience of coaching at the international level and nurturing talented players to reach their full potential. I’m committed to working closely with the team to elevate their game and bring joy to fans around the world,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the PCB has also announced the addition of Simon Helmot as the fielding coach and David Reid as the mental performance coach, following recommendations from the team management. 

Reid is set to join the team on May 20 and will stay on until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, while Helmot will join the national team on May 31 for the mega event. 

Aftab Khan, currently the fielding coach, will take on the role of High-Performance Coach for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after Helmot's arrival.