Pakistan: Hayden and Philander appointed as coaches for T20 World Cup

Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday that former Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden and former South African pace bowler Vernon Philander have been appointed as coaches. The role of the pair is not defined clear as of right now. Meanwhile, it is understood Pakistan will announce a head coach to join Hayden and Philander. However, no names are thrown into the mix as of right now.

Hayden and Philander have no previous coaching experience, with the latter just retired from international cricket in 2020. Philander was about to start the domestic season in his country on September 24th. Meanwhile, Hayden retired in 2009 and this is the first significant coaching job he has taken. The destructive opener previously was doing media work, occasionally.

The announcement of the appointment of the former cricketers has come as a huge surprise. The new Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Ramiz Raja cited the aggression and the quality of the two players as reasons for hiring. He said Matthew Hayden, an Australian, has experience of winning World Cups and himself being a great player might be beneficial for the team. He feels Pakistan can lift the World Cup. However, he said the team needs to improve their performances an extra 10%.

Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis stepped down as head coach and bowling coach of the Pakistan team last week. Meanwhile, Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq were appointed as interim coaches for the New Zealand series. It is understood that Saqlain will continue as the head coach until the T20 World Cup. He will be joined by Hayden and Philander.