The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on November 21, 2023, announced that former cricketers Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal were appointed as fast and spin bowling coaches of the Men in Green side respectively.
Their inaugural assignments in these roles include 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.
Umar Gul has extensive experience of coaching as he had guided the Afghanistan side in the past and was even the bowling coach of the Pakistan side during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, and the subsequent series against New Zealand at home. He was also the bowling coach for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL.
Gul made his international debut in 2003, representing Pakistan in 47 Tests taking 163 wickets, in 130 ODIs picking 179 wickets, and in 60 T20Is 85 wickets between 2003 and 2016.
Umar Gul said on the PCB website: "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 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, on the other hand, has served as the spin bowling coach with the PSL franchise Islamabad United. Ajmal represented Pakistan in 35 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, picking up 447 wickets across the three formats.
"I am truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity provided by the 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 Saeed Ajmal.
(PCB inputs)
