Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the details of men’s 2024-25 home international cricket season. The national team will compete in three Test series and participate in the first ODI tri-series in 21 years in the lead up to the eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on home turf.In the curtain-raiser series of the 2024-25 home international season, Bangladesh will play two Tests in Rawalpindi (21-25 August) and Karachi (30 August-3 September). The international season will culminate with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, proposed for 9 March.In between, Pakistan will host England for three Tests in Multan (7-11 October), Karachi (15-19 October) and Rawalpindi (24-28 October), and the West Indies will visit for two Tests in Karachi (16-20 January) and Multan (24-28 January). Additionally, New Zealand and South Africa will participate in an ODI tri-series in Multan from 8-14 February.Bangladesh last played a Test in Pakistan in February 2020, while England swept the three-Test series in December 2022. The 2025 series will also mark the West Indies’ first Test tour to Pakistan since November 2006 when Brian Lara captained the side against Inzamam-ul-Haq men. Pakistan last hosted the West Indies for a Test series in October 2016 in the United Arab Emirates.Apart from the home international fixtures, the men's team will tour Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa from 4 November to 7 January, playing two Tests, nine ODIs and nine T20Is.In the period from August 2024 to March 2025, the Pakistan men's cricket team will play nine Tests, nine T20Is and, at least, 14 ODIs. The number of ODIs may increase based on their performance in the ODI tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.Alongside international cricket, the PCB will be involved in planning and delivering an expanded and more competitive PCB Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25, as well as women's domestic and international cricket events and competitions. The HBL Pakistan Super League 2025 is also being planned for April/May 2025.The nine Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. To date, Pakistan has played five Tests in two series against Sri Lanka and Australia, winning two and losing three. This has placed them in fifth position on the points table with 22 points. India leads the table with 74 points after three series, followed by Australia (90 points from four series), New Zealand (36 points from three series), and Sri Lanka (24 points from two series).With each of the top nine Test-playing nations scheduled to play six series (three home and three away) in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, strong performances in the upcoming four series could put Pakistan in contention for a place in the final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025.Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi will share the seven Tests and four ODIs between them. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is currently undergoing redesign and redevelopment work as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but is expected to be ready to stage most of the high-profile matches from 19 February to 9 March. The ICC will announce further details of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in due course.Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi30 Aug-3 Sep – Second Test, KarachiEngland in Pakistan (Three Tests)7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan15-19 Oct – Second Test, Karachi24-28 Oct – Third Test, RawalpindiWest Indies in Pakistan (Two Tests)16-20 Jan – First Test, Karachi24-28 Jan – Second Test, MultanNew Zealand and South Africa in Pakistan (ODI tri-series)8 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, Multan10 Feb – New Zealand v South Africa, Multan12 Feb – Pakistan v South Africa, Multan14 Feb – Final, MultanPakistan to Australia (three ODIs, three T20Is)4 Nov – First ODI, Melbourne8 Nov – Second ODI, Adelaide10 Nov – Third ODI, Perth14 Nov – First T20I, Brisbane16 Nov – Second T20I, Sydney18 Nov – Third T20I, HobartPakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs, three T20Is)24 Nov – First ODI, Bulawayo26 Nov – Second ODI, Bulawayo28 Nov – Third ODI, Bulawayo1 Dec – First T20I, Bulawayo3 Dec – Second T20I, Bulawayo5 Dec – Third T20I, BulawayoPakistan to South Africa (Three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests)10 Dec – First T20I, Durban13 Dec – Second T20I, Centurion14 Dec – Third T20I, Johannesburg17 Dec – First ODI, Paarl19 Dec – Second ODI, Cape Town22 Dec – Third ODI, Johannesburg26-30 Dec – First Test, Centurion3-7 Jan – Second Test, Cape Town.

Sports Bulletin ReportHouston, Texas (USA) As the dust settles on India's triumphant campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, preparations for yet another cricketing spectacle in America, the Legends Intercontinental T20 (LIT20), are in full swing. The league, featuring cricket legends such as Graeme Swann, TM Dilshan, and Liam Plunkett, is set to take place from August 16 to 28, 2024, at Moosa Stadium Houston in Texas, USA.Mohit Joon, a businessman from India, developed a disciplined and industrious work ethic at a young age, inspired by his father's dedication to his profession. At 26, he launched his own IT business, which he has successfully operated for years. His vision for a more advanced digital nation has enabled him to establish productive relationships with some of the world's leading experts in the field. He aims to create an empire that enhances both the medical field and the economy.Looking forward to his role, Mohit Joon stated, "I am excited to join the Legends Intercontinental T20 League as a promotor. Hosting and administering such a significant event is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to cultivating a global fanbase."Welcoming Mohit as the promotor, Arun Pandey, COO & Chairman of Legends Intercontinental T20, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Mohit Joon to the LIT-20 family. The preparations are in full swing for the inaugural season. The successful T20 World Cup has made a great impact on the USA audience, we aim to leverage it with LIT-20 and take cricket to the next level. Joon's addition is essential to our ongoing journey."Beyond his role in the LIT20, Joon has ambitious plans to build an empire spanning multiple industries, starting with the food and beverage sector. He envisions operating several restaurants nationwide, owning mines, completing numerous government construction projects, and obtaining construction stakes in seven-star hotels. His goal is to provide luxury and welfare through travel goods and other necessities, uniting the entire world.The Legends Intercontinental T20, scheduled to be held at Moosa Stadium in Texas, will feature a single round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the knockout phase. The tournament will include doubleheaders every day, a total of 24 thrilling matches. The event will feature seven teams: Indo Kings, Asian Avengers, Euro Rangers, American Mavericks, Trans-Tasman Titans, African Lions, and Caribbean Vikings, showcasing legendary cricket talents from around the world.  

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): With their debut match set for July 2, 2024 against Kandy the Colombo Strikers, a formidable cricket team are gearing up for a big comeback in the fifth season of the Lanka Premier League 2024 (LPL 2024). The Colombo Strikers team owned by Sagar Khanna and led by head coach Carl Crowe with support from assistant coaches Simon Helmot and Chaminda Vaas is confident in both their new additions and their core players.Colombo Strikers a team widely acknowledged as a dominant force in cricket have been successful in improving their performance in international cricket. The Colombo Strikers backed Pakistani cricketing icon Babar Azam’s historic debut in the LPL 2023, as a continuation of the New York Strikers Family whose triumph in the Abu Dhabi T10 and their dominant showcase at the Legends Cricket Trophy are widely recognized. As the Colombo striker’s family gets ready for the next LPL 2024 season, the team knows that they will enthrall fans with their captivating performances once more.Demonstrating excitement for both the tournament and the expansion of the franchise, Owner Sagar Khanna shares, “It would be the continuation of the franchise’s footprint to be set in the upcoming edition of lplt20. I am proud of the fact that the team once again fulfils expectations of the iconic talents we wanted to gather for our squad.”Coach Chaminda Vaas praised the Superstar Strikers strong lineup and highlighted their capacity to adjust to the particular requirements of the LPL T20 format, shares “The Strikers Squad has always been adaptable when it came to adapting the unique challenges of the various formats of International Tournaments. With the LPL T20 format at their disposal our team will undoubtedly take advantage of it to win the cup and receive top honors.”The New York Strikers family’s dominance in the previous Legends Cricket Trophy 90-ball format was also a result of coach Chaminda Vaas’s efforts. Regarding Colombo Strikers’ optimism for the forthcoming LPLT20, assistant coach Simon Helmot shares, “We anticipate LPL as a great opportunity for us to establish our good times in International Cricket Tournament. The upcoming edition brings us good fortunes to magnify our performance with a great showcase”The Colombo strikers’ fam adds the strongest lineup of international participation once again in their voyage to clinch the Lanka Premier League Trophy. At the head of the team is veteran all-rounder Thisara Perera who is renowned for his quick bowling and explosive batting. For his slick bowling motion Matheesha Pathirana brings a youthful exuberance and quickness to the team. Batting order depth is added by the dynamic batsman and wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips. Versatility will be offered by Shadab Khan a competent leg-spinner and batsman. Hard-hitting Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz promises aggressive starts. Muhammad Waseem a rising batsman from the United Arab Emirates adds power hitting. One batsman who adds stability is Sadeera Samarawickrama who is a consistent performer.Bangladeshi fast bowler Taskin Ahmed adds to the pace attack. Experienced middle-order batsman Angelo Perera provides consistency. Balance is added by Dunith Wellalage a promising all-around player. Shevon Daniel, Garuka Sanketh and Chamika Gunasekara are examples of local talents who performed big. Shehan Fernando, Isitha Wijesundara, Binura Fernando, Kavin Bandara and Allah Ghazanfar complete the team each contributing their special talents in an effort to win the Lanka Premier League Trophy.Important players like Nipun Dhananjaya a youthful and gifted batsman renowned for his reliable technique and anchoring skills and middle order Chamika Karunaratne who was crucial in securing numerous wickets in the previous Lanka Premier League have also been retained.

ISLAMABAD (PR): The World Championship of Legends (WCL), featuring iconic cricket players from around the globe, is thrilled to announce its official broadcasting partners for various regions worldwide. This partnership ensures that cricket enthusiasts across different continents can experience the tournament live on Star Sports (India), Willow by Cricbuzz (North America), Cricbuzz (MENA Region), Super Sports (Sub-Saharan Africa0, TNT Sports (United Kingdom), Fox Sports (Australia), and Sports MAX (Caribbean: Sports MAX).The WCL, approved by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and presented by India’s second largest travel company EaseMyTrip, will take place from July 3rd to July 13th at Edgbaston and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in the UK. It brings together legendary players for an unforgettable series of matches.Harshit Tomar, owner of the World Championship of Legends, stated: “We are excited to provide fans with the chance to see cricket legends in action once again. With our global broadcasting partners, we can reach a wide audience and celebrate the spirit of cricket worldwide. Partnering with Star Sports & Fancode will bring WCL to a broad audience in India, ensuring top-notch coverage of this historic event.”The WCL will feature teams from India, Australia, West Indies, England, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament includes cricket legends such as:* India Champions: Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina* Australia Champions: Brett Lee, Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting* West Indies Champions: Chris Gayle, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Smith* England Champions: Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel* Pakistan Champions: Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan* South Africa Champions: Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn.

New Delhi (India): The World Championship of Legends (WCL) is set to elevate its status in the cricketing world introducing a nostalgic twist. In the event of a tie, matches will be decided by the classic bowl out format reminiscent of the early t20 setup instead of contemporary super overs. Teams will compete in this high-stakes format in an exciting atmosphere that is sure to evoke memories of legendary moments and iconic performances.The decision to adopt the “bowl out” method for resolving tied matches harks back to the early days of T20 cricket, providing a nostalgic and thrilling element for both players and spectators. This format, where bowlers aim to hit the stumps unguarded by a batsman, promises to deliver high tension and excitement, making every ball count in crucial moments. The World Championship of Legends will pay tribute to the rich history of cricket while offering fans a fresh alternative to the conventional tie-breakers utilized in modern cricket. It will transport cricket fans back to a more carefree era.Harshit Tomar, owner of WCL, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament: “2007, India vs Pakistan bowl out is still one of my favourite memories, hence we want to revive it and keep it very original.”As excitement builds for this premier cricket league, WCL is also introducing acclaimed television presenter and actress Mandira Bedi as the official host.Mandira Bedi, a renowned figure in the world of cricket broadcasting, will bring her charisma and deep understanding of the game to the tournament, engaging fans and players alike. Her involvement is expected to enhance the viewing experience, adding a touch of glamour and her energy to the already star-studded event.“Moreover, we all know Mandira Ji is one of the most renowned and loved television host and we welcome her on board”, shares Harshit TomarThe World Championship of Legends, co-owned by Bollywood icon Ajay Devgn, will feature legendary players from the past, showcasing their skills and passion for the game once more. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 3rd to July 13th at the iconic grounds of Edgbaston and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in the UK.With high-profile matches, legendary players, and innovative elements, WCL is poised to become a landmark event in cricket. Fans can look forward to a spectacular showcase of cricketing prowess and unforgettable moments, all under the captivating guidance of Mandira Bedi. (PR)

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Chris Gaffaney and Richard Kettleborough will be the on-field umpires for the USA’s historic first-ever knockout match at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which takes place against South Africa on June 19.The co-hosts qualified in second place from Group A, in part thanks to a magnificent Super Over victory against Pakistan, and will now take on the Proteas as well as England and fellow co-hosts West Indies in Group 2 of the Super 8s.Joel Wilson will be the TV Umpire for USA against South Africa, while he will also stand as on-field umpire alongside Gaffaney when the American team take on England in Barbados on June 23. Allahudien Paleker, who is making his senior men’s tournament debut in this competition, will act as the fourth umpire.The same day will see Kettleborough return to the middle for the seismic Group 1 clash between Australia and India alongside compatriot Richard Illingworth.Illingworth and Michael Gough will oversee Australia’s Super 8s opener against Bangladesh, while Nitin Menon and Ahsan Raza are the on-field umpires for England’s meeting with the West Indies.Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, making history in this competition as the first Bangladeshi official at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, is the TV Umpire for that one, and will act as on-field umpire alongside Chris Brown for England’s second Group 2 game against South Africa.Of the match referees, Jeff Crowe – who has overseen more T20Is than anyone else – will be in the chair for England’s clashes with the West Indies and South Africa as well as Australia against India.Super 8s – Match Official appointmentsJune 19: USA v South Africa (Antigua)Referee: Ranjan MadugalleOn-field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney and Richard KettleboroughTV Umpire: Joel WilsonFourth Umpire: Langton RusereJune 19: England v West Indies (St Lucia)Referee: Jeff CroweOn-field Umpires: Nitin Menon and Ahsan RazaTV Umpire: Sharfuddoula Ibne ShahidFourth Umpire: Chris BrownJune 20: Afghanistan v India (Barbados)Referee: David BoonOn-field Umpires: Rodney Tucker and Paul ReiffelTV Umpire: Allahudien PalekerFourth Umpire: Alex WharfJune 20: Australia v Bangladesh (Antigua)Referee: Richie RichardsonOn-field Umpires: Richard Illingworth and Michael GoughTV Umpire: Kumar DharmasenaFourth Umpire: Adrian HolstockJune 21: England v South Africa (St Lucia)Referee: Jeff CroweOn-field Umpires: Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Chris BrownTV Umpire: Joel WilsonFourth Umpire: Chris GaffaneyJune 21: USA v West Indies (Barbados)Referee: David BoonOn-field Umpires: Paul Reiffel and Allahuddien PalekerTV Umpire: Rodney TuckerFourth Umpire: Alex WharfJune 22: India v Bangladesh (Antigua)Referee: Ranjan MadugalleOn-field Umpires: Michael Gough and Adrian HoldstockTV Umpire: Langton RusereFourth Umpire: Richard KettleboroughJune 22: Afghanistan v Australia (St Vincent)Referee: Richie RichardsonOn-field Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena and Ahsan RazaTV Umpire: Richard IllingworthFourth Umpire: Nitin MenonJune 23: USA v England (Barbados)Referee: David BoonOn-field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney and Joel WilsonTV Umpire: Paul ReiffelFourth Umpire: Allahudien PalekerJune 23: West Indies v South Africa (Antigua)Referee: Ranjan MadugalleOn-field Umpires: Rodney Tucker and Alex WharfTV Umpire: Chris BrownFourth Umpire: Sharfuddoula Ibne ShahidJune 24: Australia v India (St Lucia)Referee: Jeff CroweOn-field Umpires: Richard Kettleborough and Richard IllingworthTV Umpire: Michael GoughFourth Umpire: Kumar DharmasenaJune 24: Afghanistan v Bangladesh (St Vincent)Referee: Richie RichardsonOn-field Umpires: Langton Rusere and Nitin MenonTV Umpire: Adrian HoldstockFourth Umpire: Ahsan Raza.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Medical Panel comprising Prof Rana Dilawaiz Nadeem, Dr. Mumraiz Naqshband and Prof Javed Akram has updated about the injury of five national players.Arshad Iqbal, the right-arm fast bowler who is recovering from an ankle injury, has been referred to for consultation at ASPETAR in Qatar, a renowned orthopedic and sports medicine hospital. After Eid Al Adha holidays, the PCB will book his appointment and make necessary travel arrangementsIhsanullah, the right-arm fast bowler who is recovering from a right elbow injury, commenced his initial rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and will continue the process in his hometown in Swat under the supervision of a PCB Medical Panel approved physiotherapistMohammad Wasim Junior, the right-arm fast bowler who sustained a back injury during a domestic tournament, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA. Following Eid Al Adha holidays, he will return to resume his rehabilitation at the NCAShawaal Zulfiqar, the right-handed opening batter who sustained a shoulder injury during Pakistan women’s team tour to New Zealand in December 2023, underwent shoulder surgery in Islamabad last month. Her stitches were removed on 11 June. Doctors will further assess her case later this monthZeeshan Zameer, the right-arm fast bowler who sustained an ankle injury, will undergo surgery in Qatar next week. The decision was made by ASPETAR earlier this month after examining the cricketer and reviewing his medical reports. Following surgery, Zeeshan may stay in Qatar to complete his rehabilitation.

Babar Azam to lead Green Shirts, Pakistan to take on India on June 9 in New YorkAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board today unveiled its 15-player squad for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in the United States of America (USA) and West Indies from June 1 to 29, 2024. Batter Babar Azam will lead the Green Shirts in the prestigious cricket fixture of the world.According to the media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the side was confirmed on Friday afternoon following a two-hour selection committee meeting in Birmingham, which was attended by Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Bilal Afzal, Gary Kirsten, Mohammad Yousuf and Wahab Riaz. Razzaq, Asad and Bilal joined the deliberations through videoconference.Of the 15 players, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan have been picked for their maiden T20 World Cup, while Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim last appeared in the 2016 and 2021 tournaments, respectively. The other eight players participated in the 2022 event in Australia.Pakistan has one of the most impressive records in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007 in South Africa. It won the 2009 event under Younis Khan and twice reached the finals under Shoaib Malik (2007) and Babar Azam (2022). In 2010, 2012, and 2021, it reached the last-four stage.Names of players: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman KhanPlayer support personnel: Wahab Riaz (senior team manager), Mansoor Rana (team manager), Gary Kirsten (head coach), Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach), Simon Helmot (fielding coach), David Reid (mental performance coach), Aftab Khan (high performance coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Irtaza Komail (chief security officer), Mohammad Imran (masseur), Mohammad Khurram Sarwar (team doctor), Talha Ijaz (analyst), Raza Kitchlew (media and digital manager) and Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach).Pakistan’s schedule of matches:6 June – vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas9 June – vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York11 June – vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York16 June – vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida

June 1: U.S. vs. Canada, DallasJune 2: West Indies vs. Papua New Guinea, GuyanaJune 2: Namibia vs. Oman, BarbadosJune 3: Sri Lanka vs. South Africa, New YorkJune 3: Afghanistan vs. Uganda, GuyanaJune 4: England vs. Scotland, BarbadosJune 4: Netherlands vs. NepalJune 5: India vs. Ireland, New YorkJune 5: Papua New Guinea vs. Uganda, GuyanaJune 5: Australia vs. Oman, BarbadosJune 6: U.S. vs. Pakistan, DallasJune 6: Namibia vs. Scotland, BarbadosJune 7: Canada vs. Ireland, New YorkJune 7: New Zealand vs. Afghanistan, GuyanaJune 7: Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh, DallasJune 8: Netherlands vs. South Africa, New YorkJune 8: Australia vs. England, BarbadosJune 8: West Indies vs. Uganda, GuyanaJune 9: India vs. Pakistan, New YorkJune 9: Oman vs. Scotland, Antigua & BarbudaJune 10: South Africa vs. Bangladesh, New YorkJune 11: Pakistan vs. Canada, New YorkJune 11: Sri Lanka vs. Nepal, LauderhillJune 11: Australia vs. Namibia, Antigua & BarbudaJune 12: U.S. vs India, New YorkJune 12: West Indies vs. New Zealand, Trinidad & TobagoJune 13: England vs. Oman, Antigua & BarbudaJune 13: Bangladesh vs. Netherlands, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 13: Afghanistan vs. Papua New Guinea, Trinidad & TobagoJune 14: U.S. vs Ireland, LauderhillJune 14: South Africa vs. Nepal, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 14: New Zealand vs. Uganda, Trinidad & TobagoJune 15: Australia vs. Scotland, Saint LuciaJune 15: India vs. Canada, LauderhillJune 15: Namibia vs. England, AntiguaJune 16: Pakistan vs. Ireland, LauderhillJune 16: Bangladesh vs. Nepal, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 16: Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands, Saint LuciaJune 17: New Zealand vs. Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and TobagoJune 17: West Indies vs. Afghanistan, Saint LuciaJune 19: Qualifier, Antigua and BarbudaJune 19: Qualifier, Saint LuciaJune 20: Qualifier, BarbadosJune 20: Qualifier, Antigua & BarbudaJune 21: Qualifier, Saint LuciaJune 21: Qualifier, BarbadosJune 22: Qualifier, Antigua & BarbudaJune 22: Qualifier, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 23: Qualifier, BarbadosJune 23: Qualifier, Antigua & BarbudaJune 24: Qualifier, Saint LuciaJune 24: Qualifier, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 26: Semi-final 1, Trinidad and TobagoJune 27: Semi-final 2, GuyanaJune 29: Final, Barbados 

LAHORE (PR): Gary Kirsten will join the national men’s side in Leeds on 19 May to commence his two-year tenure as the white-ball head coach, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today.Kirsten’s arrival will be three days prior to the start of the four-match T20I series against England at Headingley on Wednesday, 22 May. The series will be followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and Caribbean, with Pakistan taking on the hosts in its opener in Dallas on 6 June.The 56-year-old South African was confirmed as the white-ball head coach along with Jason Gillespie as red-ball head coach last month. The Australian will arrive in Pakistan in July for August’s ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh to start his journey.Apart from next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and other bilateral white-ball series, Kirsten will be the head coach for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, and the ACC T20 Asia Cup 2025.Gary Kirsten said: “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.“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.“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.”Meanwhile, the PCB, on the recommendation of the team management, has added Simon Helmot (fielding coach) and David Reid (mental performance coach) to the player support personnel for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.Reid will join the side on 20 May, while Helmot will team up with the national side on 31 May. Aftab Khan, who is presently serving the side as the fielding coach, will assume responsibilities of High Performance Coach following the arrival of Helmot.