South African cricket legend and coach Gary Kirsten is reportedly stepping down as Pakistan’s white-ball coach just six months into his tenure.
Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to make a formal announcement, internal sources indicate that Kirsten’s resignation was anticipated due to dissatisfaction with his performance.
Earlier reports suggested that Kirsten and the PCB had disagreements over team selection and support staff. Kirsten had threatened not to accompany the team on their tour of Australia unless his demands were met. Sources noted that the issues stemmed from Kirsten’s insistence on implementing his preferences regarding the white-ball team and central contracts, as well as his desire to bring in foreign staff of his choosing.
Despite achieving a significant Test series victory against England, Kirsten’s time with Pakistan has been tumultuous, characterized by conflicting ideologies and unmet expectations. He joined the Pakistan team with high hopes after gaining fame for leading India to the 2011 World Cup victory, but his journey quickly became challenging, leading to his decision to leave. This departure has sparked questions among fans and experts about what went wrong.
Reports indicate that Kirsten’s coaching philosophy clashed with some players and the PCB. His request to hire David Reid, a high-performance coach known for his tactical skills, was denied by the PCB, which proposed alternative candidates instead. This rejection reportedly left Kirsten feeling disillusioned, highlighting a disconnect in strategic planning between him and the PCB.
Turbulence within the team began with changes in Pakistan’s leadership structure. Babar Azam, who had been the captain across all formats, was reinstated but stepped down shortly after, adding confusion to the team’s direction under Kirsten. This leadership uncertainty, combined with frequent player and official changes, presented Kirsten with significant challenges.
