New Delhi, March 21: The Pakistan cricket team continues to be in the spotlight due to its frequent changes in captains and coaches. Gary Kirsten, who was appointed as the head coach of the Pakistan team with much fanfare, has stepped down from his position after a brief tenure. He has cited interference from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the primary reason for his resignation.
Kirsten, a former South African player who played a pivotal role in leading the Indian team to victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup, was contracted for two years as the head coach for white-ball cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. However, he left the role after just six months.
In his statement, Kirsten expressed that the level of external pressure from the PCB made it extremely challenging to create a stable environment for the players. He remarked, “The level of interference was so high that it disturbed me. I don’t think I have seen anything like this before.”
He also pointed out that when results do not go in the team’s favor, the coach often becomes an easy target, making it convenient to hold the coach accountable for the team’s performance.
Additionally, the former opener accused the PCB of irregularities related to his contract, outstanding payments, and frequent breaches of contract, which he also cited as reasons for his resignation.
Following his departure from the Pakistan team, Kirsten has been appointed as the new head coach of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. This comes after the Sri Lankan team’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, leading to the resignation of head coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Kirsten will assume his new role on April 15, with a contract lasting two years until 2028.