Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has revealed that former South African coach Gary Kirsten’s departure was due to “breaches” of his contract. Kirsten, who led India to the 2011 World Cup victory, had reportedly resigned after a rift with the PCB over the coaches’ diminished role in selection matters.
Naqvi clarified that Kirsten had terminated his contract with the PCB, not vice versa. “He (Kirsten) broke his contract with the PCB and made some breaches. He ended the contract with us,” Naqvi stated.
Sources within the PCB have alleged that Kirsten violated certain contract clauses, including insufficient time spent in Pakistan and his insistence on a foreign coaching staff. Naqvi confirmed that the PCB is actively seeking a new white-ball head coach and has already interviewed several candidates.
“We will have a new white ball head coach by the end of this month because Jason Gillispie has only agreed to manage the team in Australia for the white ball matches on an interim basis. He is more focused on his role as red ball head coach,” Naqvi explained.
Regarding the omission of Fakhar Zaman from the Pakistan squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours, Naqvi emphasized that the selectors have the authority to make such decisions. Zaman is currently under investigation by the PCB for supporting Babar Azam on social media after being dropped for the England Tests.
“The issue of the show cause notice will be handled by a special committee of the board while the selectors have authority over selection matters,” Naqvi said. He denied any interference in selection matters or advocating for specific players.
