Gary Kirsten’s time as Pakistan’s white-ball coach seems to be coming to an abrupt end. While there has been no official announcement, sources indicate that he will not be traveling with the team for the upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe. This development follows reports of serious differences between Kirsten and the players. Reports also suggest of disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Kirsten, a former South Africa batsman and World Cup-winning coach for India, took over the role in mid-May. His tenure has been marked by challenges, including a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign where Pakistan failed to progress past the group stage.
Kirsten to Call it Quits Amid Disagreements with PCB and Players
Cricbuzz reports that Kirsten requested David Reid as a High-Performance coach. However, the PCB did not approve this suggestion. Instead, they proposed alternatives that Kirsten found unacceptable. This conflict has reportedly led to tensions within the team, contributing to his potential exit.
As the 15-member ODI squad prepares to depart for Australia on Monday, it is clear that Kirsten will not be among them. The team is also set to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe following their tour of Australia.
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Speculation Surrounding a New Coach for Pakistan
With less than four months remaining before the ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB faces the urgent task of finding a new white-ball coach. Speculation suggests that Jason Gillespie, currently serving as the red-ball coach, could temporarily take over both formats. However, Aaqib Javed, a former fast bowler and current national selector, is seen as a likely candidate for the position.
Aaqib Javed has been credited with helping improve Pakistan’s fortunes in recent series. Under his guidance, the team won a three-Test home series against England 2-1. His experience and success make him a strong contender for this critical role.
Kirsten’s departure would mark a significant change for Pakistan cricket, especially with the Champions Trophy approaching. His brief tenure has been marred by a lack of success on the field. The team struggled in a bilateral series and faced unexpected defeats during major tournaments, including the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
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