Matthew Hayden, Vernon Philander appointed Pakistan coaches for T20 World Cup

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A head coach will also be appointed alongside the two, Ramiz said in his first press conference as PCB chairman

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden and former South Africa seamer Vernon Philander have been appointed Pakistan coaches for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE. The newly-elected PCB chairman Ramiz Raja announced Pakistan had roped in the duo ahead of the tournament, citing the aggression and quality of the players as defining reasons for their hiring.

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.

“Matthew Hayden is Australian, and has experience of winning World Cups and was a great player himself,” Ramiz said. “It might be very beneficial to have an Australian occupying the dressing room. And Pakistan, of course, can win the World Cup, they just need to improve their performances an extra 10%. Vernon Philander I know very well, and he understands bowling, and has a great record against Australia.”

Despite Hayden and Philander’s esteemed cricketing reputations, neither have any substantive coaching experience. Vernon Philander only retired from international cricket in 2020, and was due to take part in the South African domestic season which begins on September 24 this year. Hayden retired in 2009, and has taken on occasional media work, but his assignment with Pakistan at the World Cup is set to his first major coaching assignment.

Pakistan head coach Misbah ul Haq and bowling coach Wasqar Younis tendered this resignations last week, the same day as Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad was announced. They were replaced by Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq on an interim basis for Pakistan’s home series against New Zealand, which starts later this week. ESPNcricinfo understands Mushtaq is likely to continue as head coach through to the World Cup, and would in that case share coaching duties with Hayden and Philander.

Source: ESPN Crickinfo

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