PCB likely to hire Vivian Richards as mentor for Pakistan T20 World Cup squad

With the T20 World Cup about to begin, Pakistan are trying to secure the services of West Indies icon Viv Richards as the team’s mentor for the landmark event. There are ten days until the World Cup starts in the USA and the West Indies. The event will be historic as 20 teams will participate in the tournament for the first time since its inception. Ahead of the tournament, Pakistan are looking to hire Richards as a team mentor, according to Geo News sources.

According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in talks with the former West Indies batting maestro.

The former West Indies star has vast experience as well as knowledge of how to play in the Caribbean.

The PCB’s decision to bring in Richards is also believed to be inspired by the 72-year-old’s impact on the Pakistan Super League. Richards serves as a mentor for the PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators.

However, the PCB faces a major challenge in bringing Richards in due to its existing media commitments for the event.

Pakistan have completely revamped their white-ball setup since the departure of former director of cricket Mohammad Hafeez earlier this year.

Last month, former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten was announced as head coach of limited-overs cricket.

It was under his reign that Pakistan’s arch-rivals India lifted the 2011 World Cup trophy in their homeland and ended their 28-year wait. India also became the number one team in the ICC Test rankings during his stint.

Kirsten recently arrived in Leeds and joined the ‘Men in Green’ ahead of the four-match T20I series against England.

The 56-year-old will look to inspire the Pakistan team to World Cup glory. The upcoming four-match series against England will help them prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The T20I series will begin on May 22 at Headingley Carnegie and conclude on May 30 in London.

Of the 19 teams, Pakistan is the only one that has not announced its 15-man squad.

For the much-awaited tournament, Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside the USA, India, Canada and Ireland.

The Men in Green will begin their campaign against the USA on June 6 and face arch-rivals India on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Pakistan squad for England series: Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.

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