Reports indicate that Gary Kirsten, the chief white-ball coach for the Pakistan national cricket team, is set to resign after four months in the role. His tenure has been marked by conflicts with players and strategic disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board, prompting a search for his successor as the team gears up for important international matches.
Gary Kirsten, the white-ball coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, is reportedly preparing to step down from his position just four months after his appointment. Kirsten, a notable World Cup winner with the Indian team in 2011, has faced a series of challenges during his brief tenure, including the fluctuating status of Babar Azam, who returned as captain only to resign shortly thereafter, along with significant changes in the selection committee. Recent reports indicate that serious disagreements between Kirsten and the players have emerged, prompting him to reconsider his future with the national team. A pivotal factor in this decision appears to be the refusal of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to approve Kirsten’s proposal to hire David Reid as a High-Performance Coach. Instead, the PCB presented alternative candidates, which has led to Kirsten’s disappointment. While no formal statement has been issued regarding his resignation, the PCB is expected to identify a successor imminently, with Jason Gillespie, the current red-ball coach, being a prominent contender. Additionally, Aaqib Javed, a former pace bowler and member of the selection committee, is also in consideration for the role of white-ball coach, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy approaching. Furthermore, the PCB has recently announced squads for forthcoming white-ball series against Australia and Zimbabwe, confirming that Kirsten will not be accompanying the teams for these matches.
The situation surrounding Gary Kirsten’s potential departure as Pakistan’s white-ball coach reflects ongoing turmoil within the Pakistan cricket landscape. Although he had only recently taken up the role, myriad issues have surfaced including leadership changes and conflicting opinions with players, indicative of a broader instability within the team’s management and performance dynamics. Kirsten’s prior experience and success with India heightens the expectations associated with his role and magnifies the consequences of any potential leadership void.
In summary, Gary Kirsten’s imminent resignation as Pakistan’s white-ball coach underscores the persistent challenges faced by the Pakistan cricket team. Disagreements with players and the PCB’s decision-making processes have culminated in a challenging environment for Kirsten, who is now unlikely to oversee the upcoming series. The PCB is anticipated to act swiftly in appointing his successor to ensure continuity as the team prepares for critical upcoming tournaments.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
