Gary Kirsten steps down as Pakistan’s white-ball coach

Gary Kirsten resigns as Pakistan white ball coach role

In a major development for Pakistan cricket, Gary Kirsten has resigned from his position as the white-ball coach. Kirsten, who took over the role under a two-year contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in April 2024, has stepped down after just six months in charge.

Conflict with PCB over selection authority

According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, a rift emerged between Kirsten and the PCB after the board decided to revoke the coaches’ selection powers. Initially, both Kirsten and red-ball coach Jason Gillespie were part of the selection process. However, a newly established selection committee took over those responsibilities, effectively sidelining the coaches. This shift in authority led to tensions, with Gillespie openly expressing his disappointment, stating he felt reduced to just a “match-day analyst” role. While Kirsten refrained from making public comments, it was understood that he was equally discontented with the situation.

Gary Kirsten’s exit a major setback for Pakistan

Kirsten’s departure could not have come at a worse time for Pakistan, as they gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which they will host. He joined the national team after fulfilling his commitments with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Gujarat Titans. His first assignment was a series against England, captained by Jos Buttler, which Pakistan lost. This was followed by a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024, where Pakistan were unexpectedly defeated by co-hosts USA and later knocked out by champions India. In the aftermath, Babar Azam stepped down as captain for the white-ball formats, adding to the team’s challenges. Since their exit from the T20 World Cup, Pakistan has not played any white-ball games, and the upcoming ODI and T20I series in Australia was seen as crucial preparation for the Champions Trophy.

Also READ: Pakistan names new captain and vice-captain for white-ball cricket

Options for PCB Following Kirsten’s Departure

With Kirsten’s exit, the PCB faces a tough decision just months before the Champions Trophy. One option would be to ask Jason Gillespie, who currently handles the red-ball side, to take on the white-ball coaching duties on a temporary basis. Another alternative could be promoting Aaqib Javed, the former fast bowler and current national selector, who has been credited with helping Pakistan end their long-standing struggles in home Test matches.

Also READ: Pakistan announces their white-ball squads for the Zimbabwe series; Mohammad Rizwan rested for the T20Is 

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Liam Livingstone blasts England to victory over Australia in 2nd T20I

Image
In the second T20I of the Australia tour of England 2024 , held at Sophia Gardens, England emerged victorious against Australia by 3 wickets, levelling the series at 1-1. Jake Fraser-McGurk smashes his maiden fifty for Australia After winning the toss, England opted to bowl first. Australia posted a total of 193 runs for 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Jake Fraser-McGurk was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 50 runs off 31 balls, supported by Josh Inglis who contributed 42 runs off 26 balls. Travis Head also made a quick 31 runs off just 14 balls, while Matthew Short added a useful 28 runs off 24 balls. For England, Brydon Carse was impressive, taking 2 wickets for 26 runs in his 4 overs, while Liam Livingstone also claimed 2 wickets for just 16 runs. Adil Rashid and Sam Curran each chipped in with a wicket, helping to restrict Australia to a chaseable total. Liam Livingstone blitz propels England to victory Chasing 194 runs, England reached their target with 194
Read more

talkSPORT betting tips – Best bets and expert advice for England v Australia 1st ODI

England and Australia played out a 1-1 stalemate in their recent T20 series after the third and final match between the two sides was rained off. Now the old rivals take each other on in a five-game ODI series, which starts at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Here we pick out the best bets for that first clash in Nottingham. England v Australia 1st ODI tips England to win @ 11/8 Travis Head – Australia top batter @ 29/10 Adil Rashid – England top bowler @ 16/5 talkSPORT BET welcome offer – Get £20 in free bets * Hosts may be overpriced Australia are a short price to get the better of this England side and that will largely boil down to the absences of Jos Buttler and Joe Root. While the pair are undoubtedly a big miss for the hosts, there is certainly an argument to be made that England, who will be captained by Harry Brook in Buttler’s absence, are now overpriced. Australia have an impressive batting lineup, containing Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Mar
Read more

Ricky Ponting reveals reason behind joining Punjab Kings as head coach ahead of IPL 2025 auction

Image
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting was recently appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS ) on a four-year deal, just two months after leaving his role with Delhi Capitals (DC) . Ponting’s arrival brings fresh hope for the franchise, which has struggled for consistency in the Indian Premier League (IPL) . Why Ricky Ponting chose Punjab Kings? Despite being one of the most respected and sought-after coaches in the cricketing world, Ponting revealed that he carefully considered multiple offers before settling on Punjab Kings. The opportunity to rebuild a franchise that has often failed to live up to its potential was a key factor in his decision. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo , Ponting said, “Yes, I was talking to a few teams, but it was ‘Project Punjab’ which attracted me. It is a team that hasn’t had a lot of success over a long period of time, a team that’s changed coaches a lot, so I saw it as a challenge.” Ponting’s desire to transform PBKS into a formidable si
Read more