Why Gary Kirsten has resigned as Pakistan’s white-ball coach? Shocking reason revealed

Gary Kirsten has resigned as Pakistan’s white-ball coach six months into his tenure following a fall-out with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), it is understood. The South African cricketing legend, who led India to that famous 2011 World Cup victory, was announced as the coach in the last week of April. According to reports, the rift is believed to have started when PCB passed all the responsibility of team selection onto the national selection committee, bypassing Kirsten and captain Mohammad Rizwan from key decisions.

It is said that tensions rose further when Test coach Jason Gillespie of Pakistan shared similar sentiments. Gillespie said he is now reduced to being a “match-day analyst,” as coaches no longer have much say in the selection of teams. Sources close to the situation say that he is not very pleased with the way things are developing. His resignation follows an announcement that Mohammad Rizwan has been elevated as white-ball captain, with no consultation that preceded it—a move Kirsten was made aware of only after it was announced at a press conference.

Gary Kirsten Has Resigned as Pakistan White-Ball Coach After Dispute with PCB

Gary Kirsten’s resignation highlights deeper issues between him and Gillespie, and the PCB, which has recently rejuvenated the selection committee, with appointments such as ex-players Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, and Azhar Ali. It would appear as though the PCB is keen on increasing control over selection through these appointments. Aaqib Javed will probably join Pakistan as its full-time white-ball coach in lieu of Kirsten.

Less than a week remains before Kirsten is gone as the Pakistan Cricket Board issued him a termination letter which comes ahead of their white-ball tour of Australia on November 4. It puts the team in an acute crunch situation, considering that the team has come off the back of a morale-boosting Test series victory over England with a comeback 2-1 triumph. Kirsten, an ex-batting coach with IPL franchise Gujarat Titans, was respected for his expertise, and this shocking exit will leave a great deal of loss.

With the PCB looking at the task of trying to stabilize coaching dynamics by the time the team visits Australia, an official word from Kirsten is anticipated shortly. It may gain further meaning to his leave and possibly outline his take on the future direction of the Pakistan coaching setup.

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