Former South African batter AB de Villiers believes that the Pakistan cricket team’s recently-appointed head coach, Gary Kirsten, will "polish" the Green Shirts.
Kirsten, who won the 2011 World Cup with India, was appointed on a two-year deal and he will be in charge of the side for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, ACC T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
De Villiers expressed his optimism on Kirsten’s appointment and said that everyone should get ready to see a more “polished” Pakistani side.
"I just want to say one thing, prepare to see a more polished Pakistan. Prepare to see some players lift themselves to the top. Those who will show themselves on the world stage and take the game to the next level,” the South African legend said while talking on his YouTube channel.
"Pakistan will emerge as a very competitive team in white-ball cricket. I hope they will be knocking the doors in the knockout stages in the T20 World Cup.”
He also talked about the time he worked with Kirsten when he coached South Africa while De Villiers was the skipper. Mr. 360 recalled how Kirsten helped him by being a great support.
"I'm not better than you, I'm just here to support you. Whether it's during pressure, good times, or bad times,” De Villiers stated.
Remember, Pakistan will have a jam-packed month of May where they will play a total of seven T20Is. They will first travel to Ireland to participate in a three-match series and then to England to play four T20Is, where Kirsten will join the team.
Pakistan's schedule of upcoming matches
Tour of Ireland
May 10: First T20I at Clontarf
May 12: Second T20I at Clontarf
May 14: Third T20I at Clontarf
Tour of England
May 22: First T20I at Leeds
May 25: Second T20I at Birmingham
May 28: Third T20I at Cardiff
May 30: Fourth T20I at The Oval
