South African cricket legend Gary Kirsten is resigning from his position as Pakistan’s white-ball coach after only six months. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to make a formal announcement, internal sources reveal that dissatisfaction with Kirsten’s performance prompted the decision.
Tensions have brewed between Kirsten and the PCB over team selection and support staff. Kirsten allegedly threatened to skip the upcoming tour of Australia unless the PCB met his demands. Insiders report that disagreements stemmed from Kirsten’s insistence on having more control over white-ball team selections and including foreign staff members of his choice.
Despite leading Pakistan to a significant Test series victory against England, Kirsten faced numerous challenges during his tenure. He joined the team with high hopes following his successful coaching stint that culminated in India’s iconic 2011 World Cup win. However, conflicting ideologies and unmet expectations quickly derailed his ambitions with Pakistan cricket.
A major point of contention arose when Kirsten proposed bringing in David Reid, a high-performance coach known for his tactical skills. The PCB rejected this request and suggested alternative candidates, which left Kirsten feeling disillusioned and highlighted a strategic misalignment.
Kirsten also encountered early turbulence with shifts in Pakistan’s leadership structure. Babar Azam, who had captained the team across all formats, briefly stepped down after being reinstated, causing confusion about the team’s direction. This instability at the top, along with a revolving door of players and officials, presented significant challenges for Kirsten in establishing a consistent game plan.
As Kirsten prepares to exit, fans and cricket experts wonder what went wrong so soon after a historic victory.