Pakistan rope in CSK's mental and skill conditioning coach ahead of T20 World Cup 2024, to leave IPL before playoffs

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, CSK support staff member David Reid (Getty Images; X)
Pakistan captain Babar Azam, CSK support staff member David Reid (Getty Images; X)

Highlights:

David Reid has been associated with CSK since IPL 2021.

Head coach Gary Kirsten recommended Reid for the job.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed New Zealand's David Reid as men's national team's mental and skill conditioning coach. Reid has been associated with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. 
 

PCB announced on May 14 Reid will leave CSK camp before the playoffs and reach England on May 20 ahead of the four-T20I series against England which will work as preparatory series ahead of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. 
 

Along with Reid, Simon Helmot has been named the new fielding coach. The two new members of the support staff were recommended by the newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten who is currently with the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT). 
 

What Kirsten said ahead of England series

“I'm truly excited to embark on this new journey with the Pakistan men’s cricket team. It's an honor to coach such a talented and dynamic team, and I’m eager to contribute to their success on the international stage,” Kirsten said in a release by PCB.
 

“These are indeed thrilling times for Pakistan cricket, with a new administration and players who are driven to deliver solid results. The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our skills and uphold Pakistan's legacy as a formidable force in cricket.
 

“However, success will require collective effort, meticulous planning and unwavering support for one another. With 19 other teams vying for the title, we must consistently outperform our rivals to realise our aspirations.”
 

Kirsten who helped India win the ODI World Cup after a long wait of 28 years also said that he misses getting involved with an international team.
 

“On a personal level, I’ve missed the experience of coaching at the international level and nurturing talented players to reach their full potential. I’m committed to working closely with the team to elevate their game and bring joy to fans around the world,” he added.
 

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup group stage clashes

After the T20I series against defending champions England, Babar Azam-led Pakistan will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the United States on June 6. It will be followed by a high-voltage encounter against Rohit Sharma's India in New York on June 9.
 

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