Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has revealed that ex-South African cricketer and coach Gary Kirsten was unhappy with the decision to appoint Mohammad Rizwan as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball teams. Ali claims that Kirsten had a different player in mind for the leadership role and believed he had “full authority” over such choices.
This revelation comes amidst significant changes within the Pakistan cricket team. Rizwan’s appointment as white-ball captain, Kirsten’s resignation as T20I and ODI coach, and the hiring of Jason Gillespie as the head coach for all formats have all contributed to a period of transition.
Ali explained on his YouTube channel, “When Mohammad Rizwan was named Pakistan’s new white-ball captain, Kirsten wanted a different captain and demanded another player in the team. Coincidentally, both of them are not in the team. He thought he had full authority, but he doesn’t know that in Pakistan, even the PCB chairman can get changed overnight.”
Ali further commented on the recent changes in the PCB, stating, “Mohsin Naqvi has come with a lot of power. The coaches, selectors, and managers are being removed. Earlier, the chairman used to be changed from time to time. Now, whoever raises their voice will be sidelined.”
Kirsten’s primary assignment was to guide Pakistan to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA. However, Pakistan’s early exit from the group stage after losses to India and the USA led to his departure.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Rizwan would replace Babar Azam as the team’s white-ball captain for the upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe. Salam Ali Agha has been appointed as Rizwan’s vice-captain for these away tours.
