Gary Kirsten resigns as Pakistan’s white-ball cricket coach amid power rift

Former World Cup winning coach Kirsten leaves barely six months into his role in charge of the men’s ODI and T20 teams amid growing disagreements with the PCB.

Gary Kirsten has stepped down as coach of Pakistan’s men’s limited-overs cricket teams six months after his appointment amid an ongoing power struggle with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The former South African batter and coach parted ways with the white-ball teams on Monday, a day after Pakistan’s squads for their upcoming one-day international (ODI) and T20 tours of Australia and Zimbabwe were announced – ostensibly without his input in the selection.

Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s Test team coach, will be at the helm of the team during the tours but has not been confirmed as a permanent replacement for Kirsten.

“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,” the PCB said in a statement on X.

The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced 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.

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 28, 2024

Kirsten and former Australian fast bowler Gillespie were announced as the white-ball and red-ball coaches respectively amid fanfare on April 28 and were tasked with leading the revival of the former world champions after their recent slump in international cricket.

The high-profile coaches’ appointments were touted a promising move and both were reassured wide-ranging influence in the selection and running of their respective squads.

However, their roles as selectors were revoked in recent