National Cricket Team’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten faces challenges at the PCB.
LAHORE: Sources confirmed on Monday that a controversy has emerged between white-ball head coach of the National Cricket Team Gary Kirsten and the PCB.
According to sources, Gary Kirsten is facing many issues with Pakistan Cricket Board during his appointment as the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball cricketing team. Having experienced successful stints as a head coach for India and South Africa, Kirsten faced more expectations and internal conflicts during his stay at Pakistan Cricket Board.
Sources indicate that the management and operational structure of the PCB has become a problem for Kirsten. Though an individual of high repute with a vision for Pakistan’s T20 and ODI teams, some alleged administrative and structural problems have hampered his coaching style and decision-making abilities.
pcb had plenty of hope from Kirsten that could bring a lot of much-needed consistency to Pakistan’s limited-overs teams coming off a mixed show in the recent series. In fact, reports of communications gaps and the difference of coaching strategy between the board and Kirsten’s staff behind the preparation.
With the T20 World Cup and other big matches on the horizon, the need to overcome these problems cannot be overstated. It is said that Kirsten has already been in discussion with the PCB officials on resolving these issues and getting the approach right so that a harmonious working can set a proper foundation for future success. His experience and knowledge will prove to be invaluable assets; however, it may be smooth working within the PCB that ensures Pakistan achieves its international ambitions.
According to sources, in the PCB contract, it is obligatory that Kirsten goes for one-month leave and work in Pakistan with the team and for cricket for the remaining 11 months.
However, Kirsten has vowed to travel only for training camps and series in Pakistan. He demanded clarity about David Read’s contract with the support staff, but when that was not done, Kirsten threatened to stay away from the national team for the Australia tour.
As they later disputed, however, Kirsten demanded that his men must be incorporated in the support group.
According to sources, if the problem with Kirsten is not sorted out, Jason Gillespie might accept the role of interim coach for both the Australia and Zimbabwe tours.
The PCB hopes that Kirsten will strictly abide by the terms of his contract. According to sources, the PCB officials put up a stern stance and did not back down from any form of coercion.
