Former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten, who served as India’s head coach from 2007 to 2011 and was appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach in April 2024, has resigned.
Former World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten has resigned from his position as head coach of Pakistan’s men’s ODI and T20 teams, just six months after his appointment, due to escalating conflicts with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Kirsten, a former South African cricketer, officially parted ways with the white-ball teams on Monday, following the announcement of Pakistan’s squads for their upcoming ODI and T20 tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, which reportedly occurred without his involvement in the selection process. Jason Gillespie, the coach of Pakistan’s Test team, will lead the squad during these tours, although he has not yet been confirmed as Kirsten’s permanent successor.
In a statement released on X, the PCB confirmed, “Jason Gillespie will coach the Pakistan men’s cricket team on next month’s white-ball tour of Australia after Gary Kirsten submitted his resignation, which was accepted.” Both Kirsten and Gillespie were introduced as the respective coaches for white-ball and red-ball formats on April 28, with the expectation of revitalizing the former world champions following a period of underperformance in international cricket.
Initially, their appointments were seen as a significant step forward, with both coaches promised considerable authority in squad selection and management. However, in recent weeks, their roles as selectors were diminished when the PCB established a new selection committee led by former fast bowler Aqib Javed. This committee also includes former ICC elite umpire Aleem Dar, ex-players Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, along with cricket analyst Hassan Cheema.
Kirsten and Gillespie, along with the captains of Pakistan’s Test and limited-overs teams, have been removed from the selection panel responsible for determining the squad for Pakistan’s second and third Test matches against England. This decision was made prior to the announcement of the ODI and T20 squads on Sunday.
In conjunction with the squad announcement, Pakistan appointed wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan as the new captain for white-ball formats, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha serving as his deputy. Javed was present with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the announcement of Rizwan’s appointment, while Kirsten was notably absent. The official news release regarding the squad did not mention Kirsten.
Both Kirsten and Gillespie had committed to a long-term strategy for the teams, emphasizing the importance of player fitness and enhancing fielding standards—areas where Pakistan has historically struggled compared to other top cricketing nations.
Kirsten brought a distinguished background to the role, having led India to victory in their second ICC World Cup title in 2011.
Gillespie, who had previously guided Pakistan to their first home Test series victory in nearly four years, expressed his frustration at being excluded from the selection process.
“When I joined Pakistan cricket, I was informed about a long-term plan, and it was essential that our communication was effective,” Gillespie stated to Sky Sports ahead of the third Test scheduled for October 24-28 in Rawalpindi. He conveyed that the frequent changes had left him feeling “frustrated.”
“Many aspects can change in Pakistan at a moment’s notice. One must adapt to this reality and recognize that this is the environment in which we operate. I must always keep in mind that I am a foreigner in Pakistan, and I need to respect that things may be conducted differently than what I am accustomed to in Australia.”
Gillespie remarked that his significantly diminished role in managing the Test team was not what he had anticipated when he joined.
