Matthew Hayden Named Pakistan Cricket Team’s Mentor
Matthew Hayden, a former Australian batter, will serve as Pakistan’s team coach at the 2022 men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. He had been the team’s batting advisor for the UAE-hosted game in 2021.
PCB claims that Hayden’s presence in the locker room helped Pakistan advance to the semi-final last year, where they lost to Australia. Hayden was a member of the backroom team that included bowling consultant Vernon Philander from South Africa.
Hayden said, “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. I have seen how Pakistan have been performing in the ACC T20 Asia Cup and Sunday’s win over India was brilliant. I think this Pakistan side has got what it takes to excel in Australia and the conditions will 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 allowed 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.”
Hayden will collaborate with Shaun Tait, the current bowling coach for Pakistan, a former teammate of his from Australia. Saqlain Mushtaq, the head coach, and Mohammad Yusuf, the batting coach, are members of Pakistan’s coaching staff.
On October 15, Hayden will arrive in Brisbane and immediately join the team once Pakistan returns from Christchurch, where they played in a T20I series against Bangladesh and the hosts, New Zealand.
After his one-year contract is over, Saqlain will also be let go from the position in February of the following year. He received an extension to his interim appointment. Due to his obligations, he declined to sign a long-term contract and has opted to leave the team after New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan in February of the following year.
