Gary Kirsten ‘resigns’ as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach

KARACHI: Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten has resigned from his position, sources told Geo News on Monday, following the South African’s disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Kirsten’s resignation comes as a blow to the Green Shirts who are set to tour Australia for a three-match ODI series commencing on November 4, followed by a T20I series with same number of matches.

Kirsten, along with Australia’s Jason Gillespie were appointed by the board as the men’s team’s white-ball and read-ball head coaches, respectively in April.

Though both coaches were given a two-year contract, Kirsten’s stint lasted a few months after his relationship with the board deteriorated, which the sources attribute to the South African’s arbitrary acts and failure to adhere to his contract terms.

The now-former white-ball head coach had not only refused to stay in Pakistan, as provisioned in his contract but also insisted on joining the team five or six days before the series or tour.

Kirsten, despite being reminded of his mandatory availability for 11 months under the contract, wasn’t available during or after the Champions Cup, the sources said.

Furthermore, they added, he also threatened to not accompany the team on the Australia tour until mental performance coach David Reid’s contract wasn’t addressed.

This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.