In a significant move for associate cricket, former India head coach and 2011 World Cup winner Gary Kirsten has taken on a new role as a consultant for Namibia's men's national teams. The appointment, announced by Cricket Namibia, will see Kirsten work alongside head coach Craig Williams to prepare the team for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Kirsten's New Challenge with Namibia
Gary Kirsten expressed his honour at joining the Namibian setup, praising the country's dedication to building a high-performance cricket environment. His role will be specifically focused on the build-up to the T20 World Cup scheduled for February-March 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
"It is indeed a privilege to work with Cricket Namibia," Kirsten stated in an official release. "I have been thoroughly impressed with the dedication and determination to create a high-performance cricket environment. Their new state-of-the-art cricket stadium is a testament to their commitment."
A Coaching Pedigree for an Emerging Team
Kirsten brings a wealth of experience to the table. After a successful international career as a South African opener, he transitioned to coaching. His most celebrated achievement came as the head coach of the Indian men's team, which he guided to victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Following his stint with India, he also served as the head coach of his home nation, South Africa. Kirsten has extensive experience in the global T20 franchise circuit and most recently had a brief tenure as the head coach of the Pakistan men's team in 2024.
Namibia's Ascent in World Cricket
Cricket Namibia stated that Kirsten's appointment underscores their commitment to strengthening their high-performance programs. The board highlighted that his unique blend of international playing experience, proven coaching success, and passion for player development would add valuable depth to the national team, known as the Eagles.
Namibia has established itself as a consistent qualifier in the shortest format of the game. The team has earned its place in the last three consecutive T20 World Cups in 2021, 2022, and 2024. They are also in contention for the next edition of the tournament. Furthermore, Namibia is set to be one of the three host nations for the 2026 T20 World Cup, alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Kirsten concluded by noting the strong performance of Namibia's senior men's team and expressed his eagerness to contribute to their preparations for the global event next year. This partnership marks a strategic step for Namibian cricket as they aim to compete with the world's best on the biggest stage.
