Gary Kirsten is reportedly set to resign as Pakistan’s white-ball coach just four months into his tenure, attributed to internal disagreements and the PCB’s rejection of his coaching proposals. As the PCB prepares to announce a successor, candidates like Jason Gillespie and Aaqib Javed are under consideration.
Reports indicate that Gary Kirsten, the white-ball coach for Pakistan since approximately four months ago, is likely to resign from his position. Kirsten, renowned for winning the 2011 ODI World Cup as part of the Indian team led by MS Dhoni, is now contemplating ending his association with Pakistan’s national cricket team. His brief tenure has been marked by significant events, including the return and subsequent resignation of Babar Azam as captain, alongside changes within the selection committee. It has been noted by Cricbuzz that differences of opinion have arisen between Kirsten and some players in recent weeks. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), while not directly pressuring him to step down, reportedly rejected his recent request to appoint David Reid as a High-Performance coach, which has left Kirsten feeling disheartened. Instead, the PCB suggested alternative candidates, further contributing to his dissatisfaction. While no formal decision has been made yet, it is anticipated that the PCB will announce Kirsten’s successor in the near future. Jason Gillespie, who currently serves as the red-ball coach for the men’s national team, is rumored to be a leading candidate for the position. In addition, Aaqib Javed, a former fast bowler for Pakistan and current member of the national selection committee, may also be considered for the white-ball coach role as the ICC Champions Trophy approaches. Aaqib’s involvement has been credited with playing a crucial part in the team’s recent performance against England, where they triumphed in a three-match series, concluding with a 2-1 victory for Pakistan. Recently, the PCB announced the squads for upcoming white-ball assignments against Australia and Zimbabwe, indicating that Kirsten is not expected to accompany the teams for these series.
The ongoing changes within Pakistan cricket reflect a continual evolution of the team’s management and strategies. Gary Kirsten, notable for his previous success with the Indian cricket team, was appointed to lead Pakistan’s white-ball format just a few months ago. His brief tenure coincided with major shifts, including leadership changes and internal dynamics that have contributed to the challenging atmosphere within the team. As the Pakistan Cricket Board navigates these transitions, the appointment of Kirsten illustrates its commitment to excellence and performance on the international stage, despite the difficulties encountered during his short term.
In summary, Gary Kirsten appears poised to resign from his role as Pakistan’s white-ball coach after a tenure characterized by challenges and internal disagreements. The PCB’s rejection of his coaching proposals, coupled with his discontent regarding player relations, suggests a strained working environment. As the board looks to solidify its coaching staff ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, potential candidates such as Jason Gillespie and Aaqib Javed are likely to be considered for the position, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing team performance.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
