Gary Kirsten resigns as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach
Gary Kirsten has resigned from his role as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach after just six months in the position. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced his departure on October 28, 2024, stating that Test head coach Jason Gillespie will assume responsibilities for the limited-overs team during the upcoming tour of Australia.
Kirsten, a former South African top-order batter, was appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach on April 28, 2024. His tenure included overseeing the team’s campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Unfortunately, Pakistan experienced a disappointing tournament, facing early elimination after losing their first two matches from promising positions.
Reports suggest that Kirsten’s resignation was influenced by differences with the PCB regarding team selection and captaincy decisions. Notably, the board had restructured the selection committee, reducing the head coach’s input in the process, which reportedly led to tensions.
Following Kirsten’s departure, the PCB has appointed Mohammad Rizwan as the new captain for the white-ball formats. The team is scheduled to begin their limited-overs tour of Australia in early November, with Jason Gillespie stepping in as the interim head coach for this series.
This leadership change marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s cricket management, aiming to address the challenges faced in recent tournaments and to build a more cohesive and successful team strategy moving forward.
