Australian batting legend Matthew Hayden has been rehired by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to serve as the team’s coach for the ICC World T20 Cup in Australia. Hayden voiced his belief that the Pakistani squad, which boasts a talented group of athletes, will dominate the mega-event when it takes place the following month. Hayden participated in the World T20 Cup in the UAE last year for a brief period of time, seeing Pakistan’s semifinal loss to Australia.

Hayden will join the team in Brisbane on October 15 as the team will arrive after a T20I series involving Bangladesh and New Zealand. Pakistan will play their tournament opener against India on October 23 in Melbourne. Hayden shared his excitement to join the team as a mentor for the showpiece event.

For the last World Cup, the PCB also employed Vernon Philander of South Africa as a bowling consultant.

The PCB stated that Hayden’s association with the national men’s team will continue after he helped lead them to the last World Cup semifinals.

“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

The PCB has also found sponsors to take care of the fees for Hayden.

“I am extremely excited to be reuniting with the Pakistan team and can’t wait to join the culture again and feel the spirit of One Nation One Passion,”

Hayden was quoted as saying in a PCB release.

ALSO READ: ENG vs SA: Play cancelled following Queen’s demise

“I have seen how Pakistan has 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 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,”

the burly Australian said