Former Pakistan cricketer Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal have joined the national men’s side as the fast-bowling and spin-bowling coaches, respectively, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday.
The duo were members of the 2009 T20 World Cup and 2012 Asia Cup winning squad.
Gul, who replaces Morne Morkel, and Ajmal will start working with the Pakistan team from the Test series against Australia scheduled from 14 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 and the T20I series against New Zealand from 12 to 21 January 2024.
Gul had also worked as the bowling coach for the Pakistan men’s team during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, and the subsequent series against New Zealand at home, this year.
The former speedster was also the bowling coach for Quetta Gladiators in the last PSL season and Afghanistan’s bowling coach in the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2022.
He made his international debut in 2003, representing Pakistan in 47 Tests (163 wickets at 34.06), 130 ODIs (179 wickets at 29.34), and 60 T20Is (85 wickets at 16.97) between 2003 and 2016.
"I am pleased to join as the bowling coach of Pakistan team and feel honoured 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,” said Gul.
Meanwhile, former world no. 1 ODI bowler Ajmal who made his international debut in 2008, represented Pakistan in 35 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, picking up 447 wickets across the three formats. He also served as the spin bowling coach with the PSL franchise Islamabad United.
"I am truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity provided by Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf to serve as the spin bowling coach. 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,” said Ajmal.
- Saeed Ajmal
