KARACHI: Grant Bradburn, Pakistan’s head coach for the upcoming New Zealand series, said on Tuesday that Pakistan had rich cricket talent, vowing to guide the younger side to "new levels" alongside Mickey Arthur.  

Pakistan currently stand at number 3 in the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 rankings, while the green shirts are listed on the 5th position in One-Day International (ODI) rankings.  

The New Zeeland Pakistan series, which include five T20s and five ODIs, will start with first the T20 contest in Lahore on April 14, while last match will be played on May 7 at the National Stadium in Karachi.  

Bradburn was appointed Pakistan head coach for the New Zealand series last week. The 56-year-old played seven Tests and 11 ODIs for New Zealand before taking up coaching.  

“Talent is everywhere. Talent and potential is such a rich resource in Pakistan. But talent and potential also hasn't given us that ability to get to the top of the world,” Bradburn said in an interview shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday.  

"It's important to note that, you know, talent and potential need to be groomed and developed. And that's what really excites both Mickey and I to get alongside this younger team now and really guide them to new levels.” 

Pakistan last month concluded its T20 league, with some thrilling contests and brilliant performances to watch.   

After retiring from professional cricket, Bradburn coached Northern Districts and the New Zealand Under-19s before he was appointed head coach of Scotland in April 2014.  

He served as fielding coach of the Pakistan national cricket team from 2018 to 2021 and served as the head of high-performance coaching at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore but resigned in October 2021, citing family reasons. 

“Wonderful to be back and really, really nice to have such a warm welcome. It's an honor to be back and serving Pakistan,” he said upon arriving in Pakistan on Tuesday. 

Bradburn, who first arrived in Pakistan in 1990 with the New Zealand team, said he had “three wonderful years working with the team and all the coaches” when he served as the Pakistan fielding coach.   

“And it's an honor and a real honor and a privilege to be serving Pakistan again. So wonderful opportunity, really looking forward to be working alongside Mickey Arthur and the players and staff of this team,” he said.   

“There is so much talent in this team and I am looking forward to getting along with them and perhaps influencing them to make some real positive change.” 

Arthur, former Pakistan head coach, will take up team director position after the New Zealand series, according to local media reports.