Did Babar cause Gary Kirsten's resignation? The inside story was revealed
The recent resignation of Gary Kirsten from his role as coach of the Pakistan national white-ball cricket team has sent ripples through the cricketing community. As the story unfolds, it has become apparent that the tensions between Kirsten and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) played a significant role in this decision.
Background on Gary Kirsten and the PCB
Gary Kirsten, a former South African cricketer and renowned coach, was brought on board with high expectations. The PCB initially assured him of significant authority and autonomy in coaching the team, especially concerning squad selection. However, this promise soon appeared to clash with the board's intentions.
The Differences That Led to Resignation
Sources indicate that fundamental differences arose between Kirsten and the PCB on several key issues. Neither party seemed willing to compromise, leading to an untenable situation. Kirsten reportedly felt increasingly sidelined, particularly regarding his decision-making power.
Issues with Squad Selection
One of the major sticking points was Kirsten's dissatisfaction with the withdrawal of his voting power in squad selections. Initially promised a strong influence, Kirsten's authority seemed to wane as changes were made by the selectors, often overriding his recommendations. His frustration grew during the Champions One Day Cup, where he felt his insights were being disregarded.
Communication and Collaboration
Communication between Kirsten and the current selection committee also became strained. Reports suggest that while Kirsten was consulted regarding squad selections, he and the selectors were not aligned, particularly for the upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe. This disconnect ultimately contributed to his decision to step down.
Interestingly, Kirsten maintained ongoing communication with fellow coach Jason Gillespie, discussing players and strategies. This collaboration, however, could not alleviate the growing tensions with the PCB.
