Gary Kirsten Expected to Resign as Pakistan’s White-Ball Coach After Turbulent Tenure

Gary Kirsten is reportedly set to resign as Pakistan’s white-ball coach after a brief four-month tenure marked by player disagreements and changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board. His request for a specific high-performance coach was denied, contributing to his decision to leave. Successors, including Jason Gillespie and Aaqib Javed, are being considered as the PCB prepares for upcoming series.

Gary Kirsten, who has served as Pakistan’s white-ball coach for approximately four months, is reportedly poised to resign from his position. The landscape of Pakistan cricket continues to evolve, marked by various transitions, including Kirsten’s brief tenure. He famously led the Indian cricket team to victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup but now appears to be concluding his association with Pakistan’s ODI and T20I squads. Significant events during his time included the impact of Babar Azam’s leadership, his resignation as captain, and notable shifts within the selection committee, all of which contributed to a tumultuous period for the team. Recent reports indicate that fundamental disagreements between Kirsten and certain players have arisen, contributing to his decision to consider stepping down. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not explicitly compelled him to resign, it refused his recent proposal to appoint David Reid as the High-Performance coach, suggesting alternate candidates instead, which left Kirsten feeling disheartened. Although no formal announcement has been made regarding his resignation, the PCB may soon appoint a successor. Among the contenders, Jason Gillespie, the current red-ball coach for the men’s team, is prominently mentioned. Additionally, Aaqib Javed, a former fast bowler and member of the selection committee, could also be considered for the white-ball coaching role, especially with the impending ICC Champions Trophy in mind. Javed’s contributions behind the scenes reportedly played a crucial role in the team’s recent success against England in a three-match series, where Pakistan emerged victorious 2-1. Furthermore, the PCB has publicly announced the squads for upcoming white-ball matches against Australia and Zimbabwe, clarifying that Kirsten will not accompany the teams for these series.

Gary Kirsten, a former South African cricketer and 2011 World Cup-winning coach with India, took over as Pakistan’s white-ball coach just four months ago amidst ongoing changes in the cricketing landscape of Pakistan. His tenure has been marked by leadership changes, with notable fluctuations in team dynamics due to captain Babar Azam’s brief return and resignation. The Pakistan Cricket Board has been undergoing its own internal reforms and strategic shifts, reflecting a period of uncertainty for the team’s international engagements.

In summary, the anticipated resignation of Gary Kirsten as Pakistan’s white-ball coach occurs after a notably brief period, characterized by disagreements with players and disappointment regarding coaching appointments. The Pakistan Cricket Board is likely to announce his successor soon, with potential candidates including Jason Gillespie and Aaqib Javed, as they prepare for upcoming international competitions. Kirsten’s departure underscores the ongoing volatility within Pakistan cricket as it seeks stability and success in future tournaments.

Original Source: sports.ndtv.com