Shifting sands: Coach Gary Kirsten steps down, Leaves Pakistan cricket in disarray before Australia tour

In an official statement, the PCB confirmed Kirsten's resignation and announced that Jason Gillespie would take over as the coach for the upcoming tour of Australia.

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The board's refusal to endorse Reid has led to significant discontent, with Kirsten unhappy about the alternatives suggested by the PCB. (X/_FaridKhan)

Sports News: The turmoil within Pakistan cricket persists despite the team’s recent success against England in the Test series. The latest development involves head coach Gary Kirsten, who is reportedly set to part ways with the Pakistan team ahead of their white-ball tour of Australia. Sources suggest that Kirsten, who has held the position for only four months since joining in May, is dissatisfied with the internal dynamics of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Frustrations with the PCB

According to reports, the South African coach has expressed frustration over a “difference of opinions” with the PCB, particularly regarding the appointment of his preferred high-performance coach, David Reid. The board's refusal to endorse Reid has led to significant discontent, with Kirsten unhappy about the alternatives suggested by the PCB. The growing rift has made it increasingly likely that he will resign from his role.

Gillespie named successor

While Kirsten did not comment on the situation to Cricbuzz, the PCB has begun the search for his replacement. Following Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup performance—marked by losses to India and a shocking defeat to the USA in the super over—the board's decision was anticipated. ESPNcricinfo also noted a developing divide between Kirsten and the PCB, particularly concerning team selection input, which has left Test coach Jason Gillespie shocked and disappointed.

In an official statement, the PCB confirmed Kirsten's resignation and announced that Jason Gillespie would take over as the coach for the upcoming tour of Australia. “The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced 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 statement read.

Leadership changes ahead of Australia tour

This significant change marks another leadership shift, as Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed captain for the ODIs and T20Is, stepping in for Babar Azam. Pakistan's 15-member squad is set to travel to Australia on Monday and Tuesday, gearing up for their first ODI in Melbourne on November 4, where Australia will field a rotated team to rest their Test players ahead of the five-match series against India.