Gary Kirsten Criticizes PCB, Cites Political Interference for Pakistan Cricket’s Struggles and His Early Exit

Former South African cricketer and respected coach Gary Kirsten has openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), blaming political interference and lack of professional autonomy for his premature departure as head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball team. Appointed in April 2024 alongside Jason Gillespie, who oversaw the Test squad, Kirsten’s time with Pakistan lasted just six months and was marred by internal challenges, selection disputes, and poor team performance, particularly during the 2024 T20 World Cup.

In a candid conversation on the Wisden Cricket podcast, Kirsten revealed that he had been promised an active role in team selection when he accepted the position. However, after Pakistan’s poor outing in the World Cup—where they suffered shocking defeats to the USA and were eliminated by India—Kirsten was removed from the selection panel. He stated, “Once I was taken off selection and asked to take a team I hadn’t helped select, it became very difficult as a coach to have any sort of positive influence.”

Kirsten emphasized that for any cricket team to succeed, it must be managed by individuals who understand the game deeply. He warned that when people with little to no playing experience dictate cricketing affairs, it becomes nearly impossible for coaches and players to thrive. He noted that Pakistan’s cricket system is plagued by “outside noise,” with administrative figures interfering in technical decisions—a scenario he found unmanageable.

Despite his frustration with the PCB, Kirsten praised the Pakistani players for their dedication and resilience under intense scrutiny. He remains open to coaching Pakistan again, but only if clear boundaries are set and cricketing authority is restored. “If I got invited back to Pakistan tomorrow, I would go… but under the right circumstances,” he added.

His departure, along with Jason Gillespie’s and the removal of high-performance coach Tim Nielsen, highlights deeper structural issues within the PCB. Kirsten’s remarks echo growing concerns among former players and analysts that political overreach and poor governance are stifling Pakistan’s cricketing potential. The team’s repeated failures in major ICC events are now seen not just as performance issues but as symptoms of a broader systemic dysfunction.