The cricket fraternity was taken by storm as Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), laid bare the intricate details behind the surprising exit of Gary Kirsten, who vacated his position as the white-ball coach for the Pakistan men’s national team just six months into his tenure. Naqvi revealed that Kirsten’s resignation was fueled by a breach of contract, an issue that has stirred much speculation and discussion among fans and analysts alike. Shockingly, Kirsten left his post without having coached Pakistan in a single One Day International (ODI), resigning a day after Mohammad Rizwan was appointed as the captain for the shorter formats and the squads were unveiled for the series against Australia and Zimbabwe.
In a press briefing held on Wednesday, October 30, Naqvi addressed the media on the sudden departure of Kirsten. “He (Kirsten) broke his contract with the PCB and made some breaches. He ended the contract with us,” Naqvi asserted, shedding light on the compliance issues encountered by the PCB. The revelation has sparked a wave of queries regarding the nature of the breaches and their implications for the organizational dynamics within the PCB.
As the aftermath of Kirsten’s exit unfolds, the PCB has embarked on a resolute search for a new head coach dedicated to white-ball cricket. Naqvi disclosed that Jason Gillespie has temporarily assumed the role for white-ball matches in Australia but emphasized that Gillespie’s focus remains on his primary responsibility as the red-ball head coach. “We will have a new white-ball head coach by the end of this month because Jason Gillispie has only agreed to manage the team in Australia for the white ball matches on an interim basis. He is more focused on his role as red ball head coach. The team will have a new white ball coach for the Zimbabwe tour,” Naqvi elaborated, signaling a structured approach to filling the coaching void left by Kirsten.
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Despite Naqvi’s clarity on the breach, the PCB has not disclosed specific details, leaving many to speculate about the circumstances surrounding Kirsten’s premature exit. Insider reports from Press Trust of India (PTI) indicate that Kirsten was dissatisfied with his lack of involvement in the selection process for both the Australia and Zimbabwe tours. The PTI sources suggest further that Kirsten faced allegations from the PCB of not dedicating sufficient time in Pakistan and an inclination to appoint his own coaching staff, a move that might have infringed on existing protocols and led to friction with PCB authorities.
The dynamics within the PCB have also been impacted by the establishment of a new selection committee, which appears to have curtailed the traditional influence of coaches on team selections and combinations. Jason Gillespie, prior to the third Test against England in Rawalpindi, hinted at this shifting paradigm, which now seeks to assess the efficacy of the ‘short-term strategist’ role within the team’s framework, particularly as the squad adapts to a new leadership under Rizwan.
Amidst these organizational and strategic transitions, sidelined players like Fakhar Zaman have been thrust back into the limelight. The player, who had lost his central contract after expressing solidarity with Babar Azam during disputes over team selection, might find renewed favor. Recent reports indicate that Zaman has mended fences with the PCB’s special committee, which appears satisfied with his apology, potentially paving the way for his return to the national squad.
The resignation of Gary Kirsten has undoubtedly cast a spotlight on the inner workings of the PCB and raised questions about the future direction of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket. With pivotal series against Australia and Zimbabwe on the horizon and a new captain at the helm, the team finds itself in a critical phase of restructuring both its technical staff and player roster. The anticipation surrounding the appointment of a new coach and the adaptation of players to evolving strategies will shape not only the immediate series outcomes but also the longer-term prospects of Pakistan cricket on the international stage.
