In a surprising development, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten has resigned from his position, just six months after his appointment. The resignation reportedly stems from a conflict with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over recent changes in selection authority, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Kirsten and red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie have allegedly been at odds with the PCB since the board announced a new selection committee following Pakistan’s heavy innings defeat to England in the first Test at Multan earlier this month. This newly formed committee—the third one in as many months—includes former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, and Hassan Cheema. Both coaches, along with the team captain, were removed from the selection process under the revised framework. Aaqib Javed’s growing influence on the committee was particularly highlighted, with his initiative to create spin-friendly pitches in Multan and Rawalpindi contributing to Pakistan’s 2-1 series victory over England.
ESPNcricinfo also reported that the recent delay in squad announcements was partly due to Kirsten’s insistence on having a say in the selection process. His absence at the press conference announcing Mohammad Rizwan as the new white-ball captain and Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain was notable, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Javed, and others leading the proceedings.
Kirsten’s resignation comes just days before Pakistan’s white-ball team heads to Australia for an away series, which will include three ODIs on November 8, 9, and 10, followed by five T20Is on November 14, 16, and 18.
