The legendary Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden will serve as the team’s mentor for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Friday.
After inspiring the national men’s team to the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 by defeating India, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia in league matches, Hayden’s position with the team will continue.
“I welcome Matthew Hayden back in Pakistan colours. He is a proven performer with his credentials acknowledged and recognised world-over. He brings with him wealth of knowledge about Australia conditions and I am confident his involvement will significantly benefit our extremely talented cricketers for the World Cup and future tours Down Under”, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja said.
Hayden will join the squad when Pakistan arrives in Brisbane from Christchurch on October 15 after a T20I series with Bangladesh and the host nation New Zealand.
“I am extremely excited to be reuniting with the Pakistan team as their mentor for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia and can’t wait to join the culture again and feel the spirit of One Nation One Passion.I have seen how Pakistan have been performing in the ACC T20 Asia Cup and Sunday’s win over India was brilliant”, Hayden said
I think this Pakistan side has got what it takes to excel in Australia and the conditions will really suit them, both from a batting and bowling perspective. This team has all of its bases covered and I am sure it will light up the World Cup as it did in the UAE last year.
“I feel privileged to be given an opportunity to pass on all my experience and knowledge about all conditions in Australia and can’t wait to be back in the Pakistan dressing room”, he added.
Pakistan will play 2 warm-up games on October 17 against England and on October 19 against Afghanistan both at the Gabba before heading to Melbourne for a big clash against Inida on October in both team’s first match of the marquee tournament.
