ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s white-ball Head Coach Gary Kirsten has resigned from his role barely six months after being appointed, cricket website ESPNcricinfo reported on Monday, citing disputes with the cricket board after it stripped the coaches of selection powers.
Kirsten and Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie have reportedly been at odds with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after it announced a new selection committee following Pakistan’s humiliating innings defeat to England in the first Test at Multan this month.
The new selection committee, the third in three months, comprised former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Hassan Cheema. Kirsten, Gillespie and the captain of the national squad, who were previously part of the selection committee, were removed from the panel. The new selection committee, Javed in particular, seem to have risen in influence after their initiative to produce spin-friendly tracks in Multan and Rawalpindi helped Pakistan win the three-match test series against England 2-1.
“Gary Kirsten has resigned as the head coach of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I sides. Kirsten, who was appointed by the PCB on a two-year contract in April 2024, lasted barely six months in the role,” ESPNcricinfo reported.
The development takes place a day after the PCB announced central contracts for 25 cricketers and the announcement of wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan as the new Pakistan white-ball skipper.
“ESPNcricinfo has learnt part of the delay in announcing a squad and new limited-overs captain was down to animated discussions within the board, with Kirsten keen to have his input taken into consideration,” the website said.
When the announcement was made at a press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was flanked by Javed, Ali, Rizwan and newly appointed vice-captain Salman Ali Agha. Kirsten was notably missing.
Kirsten’s resignation comes days before Pakistan take on Australia for a limited-overs away series next month. The green shirts will play three ODIs against Australia on Nov. 8, 8 and 10 while it will play five T20Is against the Aussies on Nov. 14, 16 and 18.