Gary Kirsten resigns as Pakistan's white-ball coach
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- October 28, 2024
- 1:31 pm
- 26
- Sports
Gary Kirsten’s tenure as the head coach of Pakistan's ODI and T20I teams has come to an abrupt end. In April 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Kirsten. His two-year contract was cut short after just six months, stunning the cricket world. With Pakistan's ODI series against Australia a week away, Kirsten's resignation has left fans and analysts wondering why.
A Rift Between Coaches and PCB
The departure of Gary Kirsten highlights the growing friction within Pakistan cricket. Tensions rose when the PCB stripped Kirsten and his partner, Jason Gillespie, of their selection powers. It then passed that authority to a new selection committee. This change in control frustrated both coaches. Gillespie even called himself a "match-day analyst." He noted that it was not what he had signed up for.
Kirsten, while not openly critical, was reportedly disheartened by this shift. He had hoped to share his insights in selecting the team. Pakistan was gearing up for international matches and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy at home. At a press event in Lahore, the PCB announced the new white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan. Kirsten was absent, hinting at a growing divide.
PCB’s New Selection Panel Takes Charge
The PCB’s decision to increase the influence of the selection committee, composed of notable names like Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, and Hassan Cheema, further sidelined the coaching staff. This new panel, announced after Pakistan's first Test loss to England, took over decision-making. It overshadowed the coaches and players.
Aaqib Javed, a key committee member, helped create new strategies. They won the second Test in Multan. With Aaqib at the forefront, Pakistan's playing style got nicknamed "Aaqib-ball." This showed his influence over the team's approach. This shift was key in Kirsten's decision to step down. He struggled to find his footing in Pakistan's new coaching setup.
A Rocky Start and a Swift Exit
Kirsten’s brief stint as Pakistan’s coach had a difficult start. His first major assignment, the T20 World Cup in the USA, ended in disappointment. Pakistan lost to India and the USA, which eliminated them in the initial round. The team's poor performance added to Kirsten's challenges. It was made worse by captain Babar Azam's decision to resign from his white-ball captaincy.
The PCB's quest for "the best in class" coaching team had led them to Kirsten. He is a respected coach. He famously guided India to their first ODI World Cup title in nearly three decades. Kirsten was to build a solid base for Pakistan cricket before the 2025 Champions Trophy. Yet, he is stepping away from the role without coaching Pakistan in a single ODI.
Who Will Take Over?
With a series against Australia looming, Pakistan must find a replacement. The PCB is considering Jason Gillespie for the Australian tour. However, Aaqib Javed wants the head coach job. This could change the team's management.
Conclusion
Gary Kirsten's resignation signals turmoil in Pakistan cricket. The team seeks stability amid shifting management. Fans hope for strong leadership to help Pakistan's players focus on their game. The PCB has yet to finalize Kirsten's replacement before upcoming international matches. Only time will tell how the PCB will handle this change. And, who will guide the team in their next chapter.
