Gary Kirsten Resigns as Pakistan Coach Citing Lack of Autonomy

Gary Kirsten, former Pakistan head coach, has revealed that his abrupt resignation was due to the lack of structure and autonomy in the role, which made it impossible for him to lead the team effectively. Kirsten emphasized that he had no influence in the team selection process and was undermined by external noise and internal power struggles within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Kirsten, who was appointed as Pakistan's white-ball coach in April 2024, stepped down just six months into the role. He expressed his love for the Pakistan players but stressed that he wants to coach under professional and autonomous conditions. Kirsten's parting words highlight the recurring issue of structural inefficiencies and external interference in Pakistan cricket, which has been a major obstacle to progress.

The former South African cricketer and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning coach emphasized the need for cricket teams to be run by cricket people with minimal external interference. He cited the difficulty of operating within the PCB's structure, where cricket isn't led by those who have played the game. Kirsten also expressed his desire to coach a team without interference from outside noise and politics.

Kirsten hasn't ruled out returning to coach Pakistan in the future, but only under the right conditions. His resignation, followed by that of Jason Gillespie, has brought attention to the need for reform within the PCB. The issue of external interference and lack of autonomy has been a longstanding concern in Pakistan cricket, and Kirsten's comments have sparked a renewed debate about the need for change.