Pakistan continued the overhaul of their backroom staff after failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup by appointing former international players Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal as bowling coaches yesterday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement Gul would take over as fast bowling coach while Ajmal would be in charge of the spinners, with the duo’s first assignment the test series against Australia starting next month.
Gul – who retired in 2020 after playing 237 international matches and claiming 427 wickets – has been involved in several mentoring stints since, including one as the bowling coach of Afghanistan in 2022.
The pacer represented Pakistan in 47 Test matches, 130 ODIs and 60 T20s between 2003 and 2016.
Gul said in a PCB statement yesterday: “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 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.”
Ajmal said yesterday: “I am truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity provided by Chairman PCB Management Committee 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.”
Ajmal also has vast playing experience having represented Pakistan in 212 games and taking 447 wickets.
He has also coached in the Pakistan Super League.
Overall Ajmal played 35 Test matches, 113 ODIs and 64 T20s for Pakistan and was famous for his ‘doosra’ - an off-spinner’s delivery that turns away from righthanded batter.
South African Morne Morkel resigned as Pakistan’s bowling coach days after they finished fifth in the World Cup standings with eight points having won four matches and lost five.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz was named Pakistan’s chief selector last week after Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down and Mohamed Hafeez took over as Team Director in place of Mickey Arthur.
Babar Azam resigned as captain and fellow batter Shan Masood will replace him. Pace bowler Shaheen Afridi will lead the T20 side.
Pakistan will play Australia in the first Test starting at Perth from Dec. 14.
Melbourne will host the Boxing Day Test starting Dec. 26 with Sydney hosting the last test match from Jan. 3-7.