The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday that it has accepted the resignation of white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, appointing red-ball coach Jason Gillespie to lead the team during the upcoming tour to Australia.
Gillespie Takes Charge for Australian Tour
Gillespie, currently serving as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, will now step in for the white-ball format as well, overseeing the team for the three-match ODI and T20I series against Australia beginning on November 4. Following this series, Pakistan will play another set of ODIs and T20Is against Zimbabwe, each spanning three games.
Kirsten and Gillespie were appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball and red-ball coaches on two-year contracts this April, but Kirsten’s early departure has led to a reshuffling of roles.
Issues Leading to Kirsten’s Exit
According to sources, Kirsten’s resignation follows unresolved issues between him and the PCB. Kirsten had reportedly pushed to have flexibility with his contract, opting not to stay in Pakistan as outlined. Additionally, he aimed to arrive only shortly before each series, contrary to the 11-month availability requirement stated in his contract.
Disagreements also arose over Kirsten’s desire to influence white-ball team selections and contract categories. Another point of contention was his demand for an extension of mental performance coach David Reid’s contract, which reportedly delayed his commitment to the Australia tour. Further friction developed after the PCB revamped its selection committee, removing head coaches and the captain, and including Aqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, and Hassan Cheema as the new selectors.
With Kirsten’s exit, Aqib Javed is seen as a likely candidate for the permanent white-ball coaching role, and discussions with Javed are reportedly nearing completion.
PCB’s Interim Plan and Future Decisions
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Gillespie as the interim head coach for the Australia series. Gillespie’s experience and familiarity with the team made him the top choice for the position.
Pakistan’s Upcoming Fixtures:
Australia Series
- November 4 – ODI, MCG, Melbourne
- November 8 – ODI, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- November 10 – ODI, Perth Stadium, Perth
- November 14 – T20I, The Gabba, Brisbane
- November 16 – T20I, SCG, Sydney
- November 18 – T20I, Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Zimbabwe Series
- November 24 – ODI, Bulawayo
- November 26 – ODI, Bulawayo
- November 28 – ODI, Bulawayo
- December 1 – T20I, Bulawayo
- December 3 – T20I, Bulawayo
- December 5 – T20I, Bulawayo
