The Pakistan men’s cricket team has taken a significant step towards strengthening its bowling department by appointing former cricket stars Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal as fast bowling and spin bowling coaches respectively. The illustrious duo is slated to commence their coaching roles ahead of the forthcoming Test series against Australia, part of a cricketing itinerary that spans from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024. This engagement will be followed by a T20I series against New Zealand from January 12 to January 21, 2024, offering the new coaches an opportunity to make an early impact.
Umar Gul, a reputable name in the pacer community, brings his wealth of experience to the Pakistan Men’s Team once again, having previously held the position of bowling coach during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Additionally, he served as Quetta Gladiators’ bowling coach in the latest edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as well as mentoring Afghanistan’s bowlers in the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2022. As a player, Gul’s impressive career spanned from 2003 to 2016, during which he took 378 wickets in 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is.
Upon accepting his new position, Gul expressed his honor and enthusiasm to contribute to the development of Pakistan cricket, as entrusted by Mr. Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee. Reflecting on his previous tenure with the men’s side, he vowed to apply his coaching expertise to help elevate Pakistan’s bowling to even greater heights.
Similarly, the renowned veteran spinner Saeed Ajmal steps in as the spin bowling coach, having had a distinguished career in cricket with Pakistan. With a tally of 447 wickets spread across 35 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, Ajmal’s expertise has been widely acknowledged, especially with his recognition as the No. 1 ranked ODI bowler at one point. Not new to coaching roles, Ajmal has previously mentored the spin departments of the PSL team Islamabad United.
Embracing his new role, Ajmal expressed deep gratitude and honor for the opportunity to work with Pakistan’s spin bowlers and credited Mr. Zaka Ashraf for entrusting him with this responsibility. Confidently looking forward to contributing to Pakistan’s spin legacy, Ajmal believes that his own career insights, paired with his coaching acumen, will significantly strengthen the team’s spin bowling resources.
Both appointments come at a critical juncture as Pakistan prepares to face formidable cricketing adversaries. The expertise of Gul and Ajmal will be instrumental in refining the skills of Pakistan’s pace and spin bowlers, providing a balanced attack strategy.
Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure has been witnessing progressive changes with the integration of former players in coaching roles, an approach that promises to enrich the cricketing experience of the current squad through firsthand insight and tried and tested tactical acumen. The rich legacies of both Gul and Ajmal in international cricket imbue them with the credentials and respect that are likely to inspire the players under their tutelage.
With a mix of eager anticipation and a focus on the upcoming series, the Pakistan men’s cricket team stands on the brink of a new chapter. As Gul and Ajmal join the dressing room, they not only bring their illustrious playing histories but also their commitment to fostering the next generation of Pakistani cricketing talent. The duo’s pivotal appointments to the coaching staff reinforce Pakistan’s resolve to assert itself as a force to be reckoned with in the international arena.