The excitement is building as the T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off in just ten days. This year's edition, co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, will see a record-breaking 20 teams vying for the coveted trophy. In preparation for this high-stakes tournament, Babar Azam-led Pakistan are looking to make a strategic move.
Viv Richards to mentor Pakistan in T20 World Cup?
According to Geo News, PCB are aiming to secure the legendary West Indies cricketer Viv Richards as their team mentor for the T20 World Cup 2024. Richards' experience and cricketing wisdom could prove invaluable for the Pakistani team as they navigate the challenges of the World Cup.
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The T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the corner, and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making a power play. According to sources, they're in talks with West Indies legend Viv Richards to join the team as a mentor for the marquee event. Richards' inclusion would be a strategic move for Pakistan. Not only does he possess an unmatched wealth of cricketing experience, but his familiarity with Caribbean pitches, co-host of the tournament, could be a significant advantage. This move is likely inspired by Richards' successful stint as a mentor for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
However, securing Richards' services won't be a cakewalk. The 72-year-old reportedly has existing media commitments during the World Cup, which could pose a logistical challenge for the PCB.
Since the departure of former director of cricket Mohammad Hafeez, Pakistan's white-ball team has undergone a significant transformation. Last month, they appointed Gary Kirsten, the experienced South African cricketer, as their new head coach for limited-overs cricket.
This appointment is particularly interesting considering Kirsten's past success with Pakistan's arch-rivals, India. During his tenure as India's coach, he famously led them to victory in the 2011 World Cup on home soil, ending their 28-year wait for the coveted trophy. Additionally, India rose to the number one ranking in the ICC Test rankings under his guidance.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Kirsten recently joined the Pakistani squad in Leeds. Their upcoming four-match T20I series against England will serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup. Under Kirsten's leadership, Pakistan will be hoping to replicate the success he achieved with India and bring home the coveted trophy.
Pakistan squad for T20I series against England:
Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.
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