'He did not want Rizwan as captain' - Basit Ali reveals reason behind Gary Kirsten's exit as white-ball coach

The celebrations after Pakistan team's recent success against England at home were short-lived, as the national cricketing body is involved in yet another controversy. Gary Kirsten, the former India national team coach who was appointed as Pakistan's white-ball head coach in April 2024, has resigned from his position just months after his appointment. 

Kirsten, who guided India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title, was roped in by the PCB to oversee the team's white-ball setup. However, during his tenure team witnessed an early exit from the T20 World Cup. Shortly after the series win over England, the PCB announced Kirsten's resignation, which they accepted.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has made serious allegations against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), claiming that Kirsten's departure was due to his disagreement with the board's decision-making. According to Basit, the former South African's resignation was not merely a mutual decision, but a result of the coach speaking up against certain issues within the PCB. 

"Mohsin Naqvi has come with a lot of power. The coaches, selectors and managers are being removed. Earlier, the chairman used to be changed from time to time. Now, whoever raises their voice will be sidelined," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Also Read: Gary Kirsten steps down as Pakistan's white-ball head coach

He was thinking that maybe he could have full authority: Basit Ali

The former Pakistan cricketer further mentioned that Kirsten's disagreement with the PCB came from the board's decision to appoint Mohammad Rizwan as the new white-ball captain. Basit claimed that the coach had wanted a different player to lead the team, but the PCB chief did not take the advice.

"The story started when Mohammad Rizwan was named Pakistan's new white-ball captain. Kirsten wanted a different captain and demanded another player in the team. Coincidently, both of them are not in the team. He was thinking that maybe he could have full authority. However, he doesn't know that in Pakistan, even the PCB chairman can get changed overnight," he added.

The PCB announced that red ball coach Jason Gillespie will be taking over Kirsten's role for the upcoming Australia tour, which begins on November 4, including three ODIs and three T20Is.