NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the sudden resignation of Gary Kirsten, the white-ball head coach.
Shehzad took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration with PCB’s management.
“Another day, another humiliation for PCB management. Empty promises and lies don’t go well with everyone. We must stick to our words if we want to survive in modern-day cricket!” Shehzad wrote, reflecting widespread concerns about the board’s instability.
Following Shehzad’s reaction, former England skipper Kevin Pietersen also questioned PCB’s decision to part ways with the experienced head coach. “How can Pakistan Cricket lose Gary Kirsten’s with his resumè in coaching? One step forward the last few weeks and two steps back today! Stop doing it to yourselves. Too much talent to keep doing this kind of stuff!” he wrote on X.
Kirsten, a former South African cricketer and the coach behind India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, was appointed in April 2024 on a two-year contract to lead Pakistan’s ODI and T20 teams.
However, his stint lasted just six months, raising eyebrows about the internal politics within the PCB.
The PCB announced Kirsten’s resignation via X, stating that his departure was accepted, and current Test team coach Jason Gillespie would assume responsibility for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced Jason Gillespie will coach the men’s cricket team on next month’s white-ball tour of Australia after Gary Kirsten submitted his resignation,” read the statement.
Reports suggest that tensions began when the PCB stripped both Kirsten and Gillespie of their voting powers in team selection. The move hinted at underlying friction between the board and its coaching staff, potentially influencing Kirsten’s decision to step down.
As the team gears up for the Australia series, all eyes will be on Gillespie’s tenure and whether the PCB can restore stability – an increasingly urgent need amid this wave of public displeasure.