Another Day, Another Blow: cricketer slams Pakistan Cricket Board over Kirsten’s resignation

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after Gary Kirsten’s sudden resignation as head coach. Shehzad expressed his frustration on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the ongoing issues within the board.

“Another day, another humiliation for PCB management. Empty promises and lies don’t sit well with everyone. We must stick to our words to survive in modern cricket!” he wrote, echoing widespread concerns about PCB’s instability.

Following Shehzad’s comments, former England captain Kevin Pietersen also questioned the PCB’s decision to part ways with Kirsten. “How can Pakistan Cricket lose Gary Kirsten with his coaching résumé? One step forward in recent weeks, and two steps back today! Stop doing this to yourselves. There’s too much talent to keep making these mistakes!” he posted on X.

Kirsten, a former South African cricketer who coached India to the 2011 World Cup victory, had joined the PCB in April 2024 on a two-year contract to lead the ODI and T20 teams. However, his tenure lasted only six months, raising eyebrows about the internal politics within the PCB.

The PCB announced Kirsten’s resignation via X, stating that they accepted his departure and appointed current Test team coach Jason Gillespie to lead the team on the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. “The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced that Jason Gillespie will coach the men’s team during next month’s white-ball tour of Australia after Gary Kirsten submitted his resignation,” read the statement.

Reports indicate that tensions escalated when the PCB stripped both Kirsten and Gillespie of their voting rights in team selection. This decision hinted at underlying friction between the board and its coaching staff, likely influencing Kirsten’s choice to resign.

As the team prepares for the series against Australia, all eyes will be on Gillespie’s leadership. The PCB faces increasing pressure to restore stability and regain public confidence amid this wave of discontent. The future of Pakistan cricket hinges on whether the board can learn from these mistakes and foster a more cohesive environment.