Pakistan ropes in Matthew Hayden, Vernon Philander as coaches for T20 World Cup 2021

Ramiz Raja revealed the news in his 1st press conference as new PCB chairman.

Ramiz Raja revealed the news in his 1st press conference as new PCB chairman | TwitterNewly-elected Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has revealed that former Australia opener Matthew Hayden and former South African fast bowler Vernon Philander have signed up as the coaches of the Pakistan team for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

While addressing a press conference on Monday at the Bob Woolmer Indoor School, National High-Performance Centre, Lahore, Ramiz said that Hayden has shared a dressing room with the top-ranked Australian team and will be crucial for the Pakistan team in the upcoming ICC event.

PCB named the new coaches after head coach Misbah-Ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis resigned from their posts shortly after Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2021 squad was announced.

Hayden played for Australia from 1994-2008, scoring 8625 runs in 103 Tests, 6133 runs in 161 ODIs, and 308 runs in 9 T20I matches.

Speaking on Hayden, Raja said: “The Australian can bring some aggression into the team. He has experience of World Cups and was a world-class player himself. Having an Australian in the dressing room will be of great benefit for us.”

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Vernon Philander is known for being one of the best pacer bowlers given his record of 224 Test wickets in 64 matches.

"I know Vernon, and he has some phenomenal performances against leading teams, including Australia. I hope the two will help Pakistan cricket in performing at their best during the T20 World Cup,” Ramiz said.

The two former cricketers come as unexpected appointments, and it was not immediately clear what specific roles the duo would play. Ramiz also said there would be a head coach appointed alongside them, but did not reveal a name yet.

Raja also said that he will revisit the coaching setup of the national cricket team during his tenure.

"Aimless coaches are the reason why Pakistan does not have enough ‘polished products’ despite having a large pool of talented players. Pakistan’s coaching setup needs to be overhauled. Coaches need to instill the fearless approach within the players without compromising on their technique,” Ramiz said.

(Indian Express/ Brecorder inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 13 Sep, 2021

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