Pakistan added two big names to their coaching department for the upcoming T20 WorldCup

Pakistan have announced the inclusion of former Australia opener Matthew Hayden and South Africa pacer Vernon Philander as a part of their coaching staff ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

A head coach, following the resignation of Misbah-ul-Haq recently, is likely to be announced soon as well.

Ramiz Raja, the newly-elected chairman of the PCB, made the announcement during his first press conference in the new role.

Hayden has significant experience of winning silverware, given his role as part of the dominant Australia sides of the 2000s – he has two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophies in his cabinet. He was also the highest run-getter of the 2007 Men’s T20 World Cup, with 265 runs in six matches.

Philander, who retired last year with 269 international wickets, gives Pakistan’s pace attack another experienced head to turn to for expertise, following Waqar Younis’ resignation along with Misbah.

“Matthew Hayden is Australian, and has experience of winning World Cups and was a great player himself,” Ramiz said. “It might be very beneficial to have an Australian occupying the dressing room.

“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 national side has the potential to win the World Cup, and we need to back the side selected for the global event.

“We need to fine-tune our plans. Pakistan cricket’s DNA consists of fearlessness, and we need to define a proper model and provide clarity to achieve desired results.”

Pakistan will begin their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 campaign against India on 24 October.