On October 28, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced via X (formerly Twitter) that Gary Kirsten’s tenure as head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball teams has come to an end, less than six months after his appointment in April 2024. Kirsten, a highly regarded coach known for his successful spells with India and South Africa, reportedly left due to recent disagreements with PCB.
In response, the PCB has appointed Jason Gillespie, currently Pakistan’s Test coach, to lead the white-ball team for the upcoming tour of Australia, set to begin on November 4 in Melbourne. This temporary assignment for Gillespie will cover both the ODI and T20 series against Australia.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Kirsten’s departure may have been influenced by internal tensions after the PCB revoked the selection powers previously held by him and Gillespie. The move reportedly left Kirsten disappointed, as he had expected more autonomy in shaping the team. These changes appear to have strained the relationship between Kirsten and PCB, leading to an early end to his tenure.
As Pakistan prepares to face Australia under Gillespie’s guidance, Kirsten’s abrupt departure has raised questions about the dynamics within PCB and the future direction of Pakistan’s coaching setup.