Gary Kirsten Resigns as Pakistan’s White-Ball Head Coach Just Before Australian Tour

Gary Kirsten has resigned as Pakistan’s head coach for ODIs and T20Is just six months into his two-year contract, departing one week before Pakistan’s ODI series in Australia. Tensions had emerged after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stripped Kirsten and Test coach Jason Gillespie of selection powers, centralizing decisions under a new selection committee. Gillespie voiced his discontent, saying he felt reduced to a “match-day analyst,” while Kirsten reportedly felt sidelined.

In the lead-up to Kirsten’s resignation, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced Mohammad Rizwan as the new white-ball captain, accompanied by the selection committee but without Kirsten’s input. This move highlighted the growing influence of the selection panel, led by Aaqib Javed and Aleem Dar, who took charge after Pakistan’s first Test loss to England. Kirsten’s brief tenure included an early T20 World Cup exit following losses to USA and India, sparking further upheaval with Babar Azam stepping down as captain.

For the upcoming Australia tour, Gillespie will temporarily lead Pakistan’s white-ball squad. PCB is yet to announce a permanent replacement, with tours to Australia and Zimbabwe approaching quickly.