Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has expressed his disappointment over the departure of Gary Kirsten as Pakistan’s white-ball coach. Kirsten’s tenure lasted only seven months, having joined in April 2024 ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.
Pietersen criticized Pakistan cricket for the decision to part ways with Kirsten, calling it “one step forward, two steps back.” Kirsten has a successful coaching career, having won the 2011 Cricket World Cup as head coach of India.
Despite Pakistan’s 2-1 Test series victory over England, Kirsten’s exit has created uncertainty in the team’s white-ball setup. Pietersen questioned the decision on social media, stating that Pakistan has “too much talent to keep doing this kind of stuff.”
Kirsten’s tenure as Pakistan’s white-ball coach was marked by a disappointing group stage exit at the T20 World Cup 2024. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali suggested that Kirsten’s disagreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over key decisions, including the appointment of Mohammad Rizwan as white-ball captain, contributed to his departure.
Pakistan has appointed Test head coach Jason Gillespie as the interim white-ball coach for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Aaqib Javed and Saqlain Mushtaq are potential candidates for the permanent role.
