Lahore: Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden and retired South African fast bowler Vernon Philander have been appointed as a part of the coaching staff of the Pakistan cricket team for the T20 World Cup in Dubai.
New Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja announced the appointments on Monday although it is still not clear which roles they will take up. However, the sheer character and mentality of these two cricketers is probably the thing, the PCB management opted for.
Both of them meanwhile don’t have prior experience as coaches. Philander retired from international cricket last year while Hayden left the game in 2009 and has worked as a commentator since then.
“Matthew Hayden is Australian and has experience of winning World Cups and was a great player himself It might be very beneficial to have an Australian occupying the dressing room,” Ramiz said in his statement.
“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,” the former cricketer added.
These two former stars have taken the place of Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis respectively. Ramiz also hinted at an appointment of a head coach who will lead the work ahead of these two. Pakistan, who lifted the T20 World Cup in 2009, will start their quest for a second title against India on October 24.
