Gary Kirsten Poised to Resign as Pakistan’s White-Ball Coach After Brief Tenure
Gary Kirsten is set to leave his role as the white-ball coach of Pakistan’s cricket team after only four months, amid reported disagreements with players and a rejected proposal for a high-performance coach. His successor may be Jason Gillespie or Aaqib Javed, with the PCB confirming Kirsten will not accompany the teams for upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe.
Gary Kirsten, the former World Cup-winning coach with India, is reportedly considering resigning from his position as white-ball coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, only four months after his appointment. During his brief tenure, Kirsten’s time has been characterized by significant turmoil, including the return and subsequent resignation of captain Babar Azam and several changes within the selection committee. According to sources from Cricbuzz, there have been notable disagreements between Kirsten and the players, further complicating his role as coach. Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejected Kirsten’s recent proposal to appoint David Reid as a high-performance coach, offering alternative candidates instead, which has led to his expressed disappointment. Although a final decision regarding his resignation remains pending, the PCB is expected to announce a successor soon. Jason Gillespie, the current red-ball coach of the men’s national team, has emerged as a frontrunner, alongside Aaqib Javed, a former player and current member of the national selection committee. Javed’s influence was particularly noted during Pakistan’s successful three-match series against England, which Pakistan won 2-1. Meanwhile, the PCB has revealed the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia and Zimbabwe, confirming that Kirsten will not join the teams for these fixtures.
Gary Kirsten served as Pakistan’s white-ball coach starting four months ago, bringing considerable experience as he previously led the Indian team to a World Cup victory in 2011. His brief stint has been marred by continuous changes in leadership and management within the Pakistan cricket framework, including the volatile captaincy situation involving Babar Azam. The recent conflicts within the team and dissatisfaction regarding coaching appointments have added layers of complexity to his role. With the impending ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board is preparing for future coaching decisions, focusing on candidates who may align better with their strategic goals.
In summary, Gary Kirsten’s potential resignation as the white-ball coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team reflects the ongoing instability within the team. Kirsten’s tenure has been brief yet turbulent, marked by leadership changes and differing opinions with players. As the Pakistan Cricket Board seeks a new direction ahead of crucial international fixtures, the selection of a suitable successor will be of paramount importance to stabilize the team’s performance on the global stage.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
