LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has responded to allegations by former white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, citing external “interference” as the primary reason for his sudden exit from the role.
In an interview with talkSPORT Cricket over the weekend, the legendary South African coach detailed the challenges he faced during his brief tenure, saying the “constant noise from outside” made it difficult to continue in the position.
“The thing that surprised me more than anything was the level of interference. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it at that level before,” Kirsten said. “When there’s constant noise from outside, it’s very difficult to have a coach come in and create a way for you to work with the players.”
Kirsten also criticized the way coaching staff are treated in Pakistan cricket, describing them as “low-hanging fruit” when the team underperforms.
Instead of addressing deeper issues, he suggested, punitive measures are often directed hastily at practitioners.
Despite these disappointments, Kirsten expressed fondness for the players she worked with.
“I really enjoyed working with the players. I think professional cricketers are the best people in any culture,” he said. “Despite a language barrier, when you talk about cricket, you understand what we mean to each other.”
Addressing a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, Naqvi addressed the former coach’s comments, saying he had less direct involvement with Kirsten during his tenure.
“I haven’t had much contact with Gary Kirsten, so it would be nice if the people who coordinated things with him and are constantly involved with him would respond in detail to his allegations,” Naqvi said.
Kirsten was appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach in April 2024, but resigned six months later.
His resignation came after the PCB announced the squads for the ODI and T20I tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, without his involvement in the selection process.