Gillespie replaces Gary Kristen as Pakistan team’s head coach

South African great Gary Kristen has resigned as the head coach of Pakistan's ODI and T20I sides.

Gary Kirsten, who was appointed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on a two-year contract in April 2024, lasted barely six months in the role, reported 24NewsHD TV channel, quoting sources.

The sources said Gary Kristen left the job after developing disagreements with the PCB management.

According to the sources in the PCB, Gary Kristen developed differences with the Board management on a number of issues. He wanted to keep players of his choice in the team and mental performance coach David Read in the coaching staff.

After his both requests were declined, Gary Kristen refused to proceed on the Australia tour.

The sources said there is a possibility that Pakistan’s red-ball coach Jason Gillespie could be appointed as interim white-ball coach.

Gillespie belongs to Australia and is well aware of the Australian conditions, the sources in the PCB further divulged.

Gillespie replaces Gary Kirsten as head coach

In a statement, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Pakistan’s ODI and T20I head coach Gary Kirsten has resigned from his position with immediate effect and the PCB has accepted the resignation.

Gary Kirsten was appointed Pakistan’s white-ball coach in April 2024 for a period of two years but the former South African left-handed batter has parted ways within six months of the appointment.

Meanwhile, the PCB has asked Pakistan’s red-ball coach Jason Gillespie to head the white-ball teams during the Australia tour from November 4 to 18, during which the national men’s side is scheduled to play three ODIs and T20Is each.

In a message to the press, the PCB said, “The PCB 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.”

Jason Gillespie's new role is an expansion of his current position as Pakistan's red-ball head coach, and will now include the supervision of the One-Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) series against Australia.

The PCB, in its statement, did not offer any reason for Kirsten's departure.

Media reports said both coaches had been unhappy after a recent PCB decision to shut them out of the squad selection process.

Kirsten has made no public statement about his resignation.

In the past two years, Pakistan cricket has cycled through several coaches, three board heads, four captains and numerous formats of its domestic competition.

Analysts say the instability has sabotaged chances of success on the field. Last week's 2-1 Test triumph over England was Pakistan's first home series win since February 2021.

Asad Shafiq to accompany team on Australia tour

Member of Men’s Cricket Selection Committee Asad Shafiq will depart for Australia to accompany the national cricket squad.

Sources said that a member of selection committee will also be a part of team during any cricket series or tournament abroad.

Asad Shafiq will provide his expertise for selection of final squad for the match after reviewing situation of wicket and pitch.

He will hold consultations with other selectors about the latest cricket conditions in Australia.

Asad Shafiq will take the viewpoints of the captain and health coach and share the with the national selection committee.

Reporter Waseem Ahmad