Tue Oct 29 06:03:33 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Cricket in Turmoil as Coach Kirsten Resigns Amidst Captaincy Controversy
**KARACHI, PAKISTAN** – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing mounting pressure following the surprise resignation of head coach Gary Kirsten, just months after his appointment. Kirsten, who led India to the 2011 ODI World Cup victory, stepped down following Pakistan’s recent 2-1 series win over England, leaving the team in a state of disarray.
Former cricketer Basit Ali has accused PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi of forcing Kirsten out, claiming the coach was silenced after raising concerns about the team’s direction. Ali suggests that Kirsten advocated for a different captain in the white-ball format, potentially clashing with Naqvi’s decision to appoint Mohammad Rizwan as the new captain.
The resignation comes after a series of changes within the PCB, with Naqvi reportedly exercising significant power in appointing and removing personnel. This has led to speculation that Kirsten’s departure was a result of his inability to adapt to Naqvi’s leadership style.
With Kirsten’s exit, Pakistan is left without a permanent white-ball coach for the upcoming Australia tour. Test coach Jason Gillespie has been assigned the temporary role for the tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is starting November 4th.
The situation underscores the instability within Pakistan cricket, as the team struggles to find consistency and faces mounting pressure to perform on the international stage.
First Piper 