Tue Oct 29 08:59:52 UTC 2024: ## Former World Cup Winning Coach Kirsten Quits Pakistan After Power Struggle
**LAHORE, PAKISTAN** – Former South African World Cup winning coach, Gary Kirsten, has resigned from his position as head coach of Pakistan’s men’s limited-overs teams just six months after his appointment. The resignation comes amidst growing tensions and power struggles with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Kirsten’s departure follows a recent overhaul of the selection committee, which saw him and Test coach Jason Gillespie removed from the panel. The PCB instead opted for a new committee led by former Pakistani fast bowler Aqib Javed. This move led to a reduction in Kirsten’s and Gillespie’s influence, with both expressing frustration over the lack of communication and constant changes in the selection process.
The news of Kirsten’s resignation comes on the heels of the announcement of Pakistan’s upcoming ODI and T20 squads for tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. Notably, Kirsten was allegedly not consulted during the selection process, which further fueled tensions with the PCB.
“Jason Gillespie will coach the Pakistan men’s cricket team on next month’s white-ball tour of Australia after Gary Kirsten submitted his resignation, which was accepted,” the PCB stated in an official announcement.
Kirsten’s departure comes as a blow to the PCB, who had high hopes for his experience and expertise in turning around the fortunes of the former world champions. Gillespie, while stepping into the interim coaching role for the upcoming tours, will face a challenging four-month period with the white-ball team, culminating in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February 2025.
Kirsten’s resignation raises questions about the PCB’s long-term vision and the future of Pakistan’s cricket program. With the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy looming, the team will need to find stability and leadership in the wake of these recent events.
First Piper 