Pakistan appoints former New Zealand all-rounder as men’s team head coach

[Brexiter]

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Saturday, announced the appointment of Grant Bradburn as the men’s team’s new head coach for the next two years. The former New Zealander had held the position on a consultancy basis during Pakistan’s recent home series against Black Caps as well, where the Babar Azam-led side defeated the tourists 4-1 in the One-Day International (ODI) series and split the five-match T20 International (T20I) series 2-2.

Interestingly, Bradburn has previously served as the fielding coach of the Pakistan side from 2018 to 2020 before a stint at their National Cricket Academy (NCA). On his appointment, Bradburn, in an official statement, said: “It’s a great honour for me to work with a highly talented and skilful side like Pakistan as a head coach. The New Zealand series has been valuable to get game time and create clarity of roles, culture and brand to win.”

Grant Bradburn confirmed as Pakistan men's team head coach ?

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— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 13, 2023

There have been further changes in the other coaching department too with former South Africa cricketer Andrew Puttick signing a two-year contract as the batting coach. Similarly, Strength and conditioning coach Drikus Saaiman and physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon have retained their roles.

“I am delighted to name Grant Bradburn as the head coach of our men’s side. Bradburn joins the side with a plethora of coaching experience. After having worked with our men’s side before and at the National Cricket Academy, he understands our culture and philosophy of cricket well and is an ideal candidate to take our team forward,” said Najam Sethi, PCB chairman, in a statement.

“After the announcement of Mickey Arthur as team director, Bradburn’s appointment is another step in our endeavours of putting together a highly qualified coaching panel so our players can benefit from their experiences and dominate world cricket in all three formats,” Sethi added.

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