To revamp the team management following Pakistan’s early exit in the World Cup 2023, former cricket bowlers Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal have been appointed as bowling coaches by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The announcement was made on Tuesday, signifying the board’s commitment to fortifying the team’s bowling department.
According to an official press release, Umar Gul, the ex-pacer, will assume the role of fast bowling coach, while Saeed Ajmal will be responsible for coaching the spinners. Their initial assignments include the upcoming Test series against Australia, scheduled from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024, and the T20I series against New Zealand from January 12 to 21, 2024.
This marks Umar Gul’s second stint coaching the national team, following his previous role as the bowling coach during the T20I series against Afghanistan in March and the subsequent series against New Zealand at home in May.
Both former cricketers bring coaching experience from their roles in the Pakistan Super League, with Ajmal and Gul serving as bowling coaches for Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators, respectively.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Umar Gul stated, “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 Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr. Zaka Ashraf. 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.”
Saeed Ajmal, echoing similar sentiments, expressed delight in contributing to the development of spin bowling talent within the national side. “I believe my career and coaching experience will help enhance the spin bowling arsenal of the team,” he said, as quoted in the press release.
The appointments reflect the PCB’s commitment to nurturing homegrown coaching talent and reinforcing the national team’s capabilities, aiming for success in upcoming international fixtures.
