|| Desk Report ||
Pakistan team has performed badly in the World Cup. After returning to the country after failing, various changes are coming in the team. Even Shaheen Afridi’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has not extended his contract. To fill that vacancy, PCB has appointed Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal as bowling coaches.
Gul played 47 Tests and 130 ODIs for Pakistan and took 427 wickets in his international career. This is not his first time as a bowling coach. In 2021, he was appointed as the bowling coach of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Quetta Gladiators. Then he started his coaching career in Afghanistan national team in 2022.
However, 41-year-old Gul has also served as Pakistan’s bowling coach this year. This year, he has served as the acting bowling coach for the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan and also against New Zealand. However, this time he is very excited to be appointed as a pace bowling coach. Wants to take Pakistan to new heights by using previous experience.
In a press release, Gul said, ‘I am very happy and honored to be the bowling coach of the Pakistan team. I have previous experience working with men’s teams. I will use that skill. And with that I will try to elevate Pakistan’s bowling skills to new heights.’
Meanwhile, Ajmal has been given the responsibility of Pakistan’s spin bowling coach. The former number 1 ODI bowler has taken 178 wickets in 25 Tests and 184 ODI wickets in his career. He ended his international cricket with 447 wickets in 2017. Ajmal previously worked as the bowling coach of Islamabad United.
On receiving the charge, Ajmal said, ‘I am happy to contribute to the development of spin bowling talent in the Pakistan national team. I believe my career and coaching experience will help improve the team’s spin bowling unit.’
Pakistan will play a three-match Test series in Australia from December 14. Gul and Ajmal will start their duties with that series. Then from January 12 to 21, the team will play Pakistan T20 series against New Zealand.
