Former Australian batter Matthew Hayden has rejoined the Pakistan men’s team as a mentor for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday.
Notably, Hayden had served as batting consultant of the Pakistan team in the last World Cup in 2021, where the Men in Green reached the semifinals defeating India, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia in the league matches.
“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 a wealth of knowledge about Australia’s conditions, and I am confident his involvement will significantly benefit our extremely talented cricketers for the World Cup and future tours Down Under”, said PCB chairman Ramiz Raja in a statement.
Hayden will join the side in Brisbane on October 15, after Pakistan’s arrival from Christchurch following a T20I tri-series involving Bangladesh and hosts New Zealand.
The Babar Azam-led side will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India on October 23 in Melbourne. They will then face two teams from the qualifiers in Perth before travelling to Sydney for a match against South Africa, followed by their last group fixture against Bangladesh in Adelaide.
“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,” said Hayden.
“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. I can’t wait to be back in the Pakistan dressing room,” he added.
