In a developing story within the cricketing world, Gary Kirsten’s time as head coach of the Pakistan white-ball team appears to be coming to an end, with indications suggesting he will not join the squad for their upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to make an official announcement, multiple sources confirm that serious differences of opinion between Kirsten and the players have led to this likely departure.
As the 15-member ODI squad prepares to leave for Australia, Kirsten, who has been in the role for just over four months, is expected to be absent from the contingent. Reports indicate that Kirsten’s recommendation to appoint David Reid as a High-Performance coach was not well received by the PCB, which instead proposed alternative candidates that Kirsten found unacceptable.
Despite attempts to reach Kirsten for a comment, he has not responded, leaving the finality of his exit uncertain. However, insiders suggest that he will also skip the subsequent series in Zimbabwe, where Pakistan is set to play three ODIs and three T20Is.
The PCB’s announcement of the new squad included the naming of Mohammad Rizwan as the full-time captain for white-ball formats, marking a new chapter for the team as they gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. This tournament will be hosted by Pakistan, a momentous occasion as it marks the first time in over two decades that the country will stage an ICC event.
Kirsten took over the reins of the white-ball team in May, shortly after his stint with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. His tenure began amidst a challenging series against England, where Pakistan faced a disappointing loss. The team’s struggles continued into the T20 World Cup, highlighted by an unexpected defeat to the United States and a narrow loss to India, which dashed their hopes of progressing in the tournament.
As speculation mounts regarding Kirsten’s imminent exit, the PCB may be forced to act quickly to find a replacement. Jason Gillespie, the current red-ball coach, could be considered to oversee white-ball duties as well. However, Aaqib Javed, the former Pakistan fast bowler and current national selector, is seen as a frontrunner for the position, credited with significant improvements during the recent Test series against England.
With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, the PCB faces a critical juncture as they seek to stabilize their coaching structure and bolster the team’s performance in the international arena.
