Former cricketers Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal have been appointed as the fast bowling coach and spin bowling coach respectively for the Pakistan men’s cricket team. The duo will join the dressing room for their first assignment – the Test series against Australia between December 14, 2023 and January 7, 2024, and the T20I series against New Zealand from January 12 to 21, 2024.
Gul previously served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan Men’s Team for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, and the subsequent series against New Zealand at home earlier this year. In addition, he has also been the bowling coach for Quetta Gladiators in the last edition of the PSL, and Afghanistan’s bowling coach in the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2022. Gul played 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is for Pakistan between 2003 and 2016, picking up 378 wickets for his nation.
“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,” said Gul, upon accepting the new job offer. “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.”
Ajmal, Pakistan’s spin bowling coach, has represented the team in 35 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, picking up 447 wickets across the three formats, including the accolade of being No. 1 ranked ODI bowler. In terms of coaching experience, he served as the spin bowling coach of 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,” said Ajmal. “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.”
