Pakistan make Bradburn head coach of men’s cricket team

Pakistan’s new head coach Grant Bradburn (left) with Team Director Mickey Arthur

KARACHI, AFP: Pakistan on Saturday appointed former New Zealand player Grant Bradburn as head coach of their men’s cricket team for the next two years after he served on an interim basis.

The 56-year-old, who played seven Tests and 11 ODIs for New Zealand, will be working under Mickey Arthur, who was appointed team director in March.

“Bradburn has been appointed as the head coach of the Pakistan men’s team for the next two years after a robust recruitment process,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced in a press release. Bradburn replaces former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, whose contract expired in February.

Pakistan had Abdur Rehman as interim coach for a Twenty20 series in Sharjah in March, while Bradburn oversaw the coaching during 10 limited over matches against New Zealand in April and May.

Bradburn, who also served as Pakistan’s fielding coach from 2018 to 2020, vowed to guide the team in major events.

“It is a great honour for me to work with a highly talented and skilful side like Pakistan as a head coach,” Bradburn is quoted as saying.

“The New Zealand series has been valuable to get game time and create clarity of roles, culture and brand to win.” Bradburn’s first assignment is a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka in July followed by the Asia Cup in September and World Cup a month later. He said the expectations on the team are high.

“We have raised the bar of expectation and we will keep challenging our players. The process has started, and our players are agreeing to take these challenges head-on.” Former South Africa batter Andrew Puttick has been appointed as batting coach for two years.

The PCB said the team’s management had unveiled a playing style with which they will approach the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

The style branded “The Pakistan Way”, aims to see the team employ bold tactics and attacking strategies.