Mickey Arthur reveals reason behind Gary Kirsten's resignation, blasts Pakistan Cricket Board

Former South Africa cricketer Gary Kirsten officially resigned as head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team ahead of the away white-ball series against Australia. Former Pakistan men’s cricket team head coach Mickey Arthur defended Gary Kirsten, who has had disagreements with the board and the players.

Mohammad Rizwan's appointment as the new white-ball head coach took place without Gary Kirsten's presence at the press conference. It seems Kirsten had no influence over the team's selection, especially following changes in the selection committee, including former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed.

Pakistan's red-ball coach Jason Gillespie stated he had no role in squad selection. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the third Test against England, Gillespie said he is just "a match-day strategist." Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made changes to the selection committee ahead of the second Test.

He Looks The Players In The Eye Every Day - Mickey Arthur

Mickey Arthur, who previously worked with the Pakistan cricket team, defended Gary Kirsten's resignation. Arthur said that coaches need to have a role in player selection since they engage closely with players. Mickey Arthur shared his views on Kirsten's resignation on his account.

“You can't not have input from the coach in terms of selection,he looks the players in the eye everyday and for his role to be taken seriously needs to communicate clearly on roles with the players and give feedback!” Mickey Arthur posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account.

You can't not have input from the coach in terms of selection,he looks the players in the eye everyday and for his role to be taken seriously needs to communicate clearly on roles with the players and give feedback!

— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) October 28, 2024

Gary Kirsten Signed A Two-year Contract In April 2024

Gary Kirsten signed a two-year contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board as the white-ball coach in April 2024. His tenure began with a loss to Ireland, but Pakistan secured the series win. However, they later faced a series defeat against England before heading to the Caribbean and the USA.

The Men in Green, led by Babar Azam, suffered a group-stage exit during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. They faced a shocking loss to the United States in the first game, followed by another loss to India. The Pakistan team registered wins in their next two games but didn’t advance to the Super 8s.

Jason Gillespie Will Coach The Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team - PCB

The PCB has accepted the resignation of Gary Kirsten. The board also confirmed that Jason Gillespie will lead the team on their upcoming tour of Australia. As per reports, Kirsten had disagreements with the PCB and the selection committee over the squad selection and the latest central contracts list.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced Jason Gillespie will coach the Pakistan men’s cricket team on next month’s white-ball tour of Australia after Gary Kirsten submitted his resignation, which was accepted," the PCB said in a statement.

Pakistan is set to begin its preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy by playing three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in Australia, starting on November 4.

Also read: Pakistan Cricket Team and Cricket Board accused of copying India vs Australia by Pakistan legend