Gary Kirsten lodged his resignation as Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams’ head coach. This happened merely half a year after his installation. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) affirmed it on October 28, adding a twist to an already riveting narrative. His key role in shaping Pakistan’s cricket situation was speculated, with the ICC Champions Trophy around the corner in 2025’s February and March. Kirsten leaving has amplified existing issues in the PCB. It’s got folks pondering about coach influence on squad results.
The Appointment of Gary Kirsten: A Strategic Shift
On April 28, 2024, Gary Kirsten became Pakistan’s head coach for white-ball cricket. This was a part of PCB’s new split-coaching model. Along with Kirsten, Jason Gillespie came to guide the Test team. Both faced a challenge: to rebuild a team with a shaky performance record. This change occurred after Pakistan’s less-than-stellar ODI World Cup performance the previous year. The partnership between Kirsten and Gillespie wasn’t smooth, though. There were disputes about team oversight and picking players. Consequently, the PCB restricted the coaches’ influence over player selection. This change may have sparked Kirsten’s decision to step down.
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Rift Between Gary Kirsten and PCB Leadership
Many cricket news sources hint at Kirsten stepping down due to issues with the PCB and another coach, Jason Gillespie. ESPN Cricinfo suggests a conflict arose between Kirsten and Gillespie when the PCB took over team selection, leaving Kirsten feeling overlooked. He wanted his ideas for the team considered. What’s more, Cricbuzz shared about “major disagreements” between Kirsten and the players, making his role more challenging.
Kirsten wished to bring in David Reid as a top-tier coach, but the PCB refused. Kirsten seemed visibly upset, feeling like his efforts weren’t appreciated. Gillespie, meanwhile, stayed neutral, stating his attention was on the players, not team selection.
The T20 World Cup and Kirsten’s Brief Stint
In 2024, Kirsten stepped into the role of Pakistan’s head coach. His first major test? The T20 World Cup. But things didn’t go to plan. After falling to both India and the home team, USA, Pakistan’s tournament came to an abrupt end. Sadly, this was the only big event they got to play under Kirsten’s supervision.
Why is that? Because he moved on before coaching them in even one ODI. A swift exit from the World Cup and rumored misunderstandings may have nudged Kirsten to quit. This sudden change means Pakistan is on the hunt for steady coaching, a pattern in its cricket timeline.
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Gary Kirsten’s Legacy Amidst Pakistan’s Coach Turnover
Pakistan’s cricket team coaching setup fluctuates often. Few coaches stick around for long. Intikhab Alam, who led the team for ten years and even during the 1992 World Cup, is one of them. Another, Mickey Arthur, enjoyed success before the 2017 Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s coaching practice often sees rearrangements and temporary hires. The newest in the line of short-term coaches is Gary Kirsten. Bob Woolmer’s unexpected passing during the 2007 T20 World Cup, post a surprising defeat to Ireland, is etched in Pakistan cricket history as one gloomy day. In a recent incident, Mickey Arthur bagged the director of cricket title in 2023, but lost it post a poor ODI World Cup performance. Gary Kirsten leaving marks another event in this exciting yet unstable coaching saga.
Pakistan’s Immediate Plans and the Road Ahead
When Kirsten left, the PCB shortlisted Jason Gillespie as the momentary head coach for Australia’s upcoming white-ball tour, set for November 4. This setup, though just temporary, ensures Pakistan remains on track. However, the board is likely to find a more permanent solution soon.
As ICC Champions Trophy approaches – taking place in Pakistan for the first time since 1996 – a stable coaching setup is essential. These next few months are essential for Pakistan. They will host an international event for the first time since 1996. The appointment of a new head coach is critical. This person will mold Pakistan’s preparation for this tournament, in strategy and team spirit.
Full list of Pakistan men’s head coaches
| Name | Tenure(s) | Nationality |
| Intikhab Alam | 1994, 1999–2000, 2008–2010 | Pakistani |
| Mushtaq Mohammad | 1995–1996, 1999 | Pakistani |
| Haroon Rasheed | 1996–1998 | Pakistani |
| Javed Miandad | 1998–1999, 2000–2001, 2003–2004 | Pakistani |
| Wasim Raja (Interim) | 1999 | Pakistani |
| Richard Pybus (Interim) | 1999, 2001, 2002–2003 | English |
| Mudassar Nazar | 2001–2002 | Pakistani |
| Bob Woolmer | 2004–2007 | South African |
| Geoff Lawson | 2007–2008 | Australian |
| Waqar Younis | 2010–2011, 2014–2016 | Pakistani |
| Mohsin Khan (Interim) | 2011–2012 | Pakistani |
| Dav Whatmore | 2012–2014 | Australian |
| Moin Khan (Interim) | 2014 | Pakistani |
| Mickey Arthur | 2016–2019 | South African |
| Misbah-ul-Haq | 2019–2021 | Pakistani |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | 2021–2023 | Pakistani |
| Abdul Rehman (Interim) | 2023 | Pakistani |
| Grant Bradburn | 2023 | New Zealander |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 2023–2024 | Pakistani |
| Azhar Mahmood (Interim) | 2024 | Pakistani |
| Jason Gillespie | 2024–Present (Test) | Australian |
| Gary Kirsten | 2024 (ODI & T20I) | South African |
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Conclusion
When Gary Kirsten, Pakistan’s white-ball coach, suddenly quit, it showcased the PCB’s tricky task of mixing coaching freedom with a secure grip on the organization. Kirsten brought strategy and wisdom to his part initially but soon found himself constrained in making choices amid internal clashes. His short stay spotlights not only the strains faced by Pakistan’s coaching squad but also the crucial need for clear, unified direction in team management. Pakistan is on the hunt for solid coaching, with the world of cricket keeping a close eye. Everyone’s curious – can the PCB’s next choice convey a strategy that sticks, bringing unity? Jason Gillespie is now in the hot seat, taking on split coaching tasks during this shift.
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