Pakistan cricket is undergoing a sweeping transformation with high-stakes changes in leadership and coaching, signaling a new era ahead of major international events. In a surprising series of moves, Pakistan’s cricket captain Babar Azam resigned from his role, paving the way for wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan to take over as captain in limited-overs formats. Just as the leadership shifted on the field, head coach Gary Kirsten announced his resignation, opening the door for Australian cricket legend Jason Gillespie to step in.
Gary Kirsten, who was appointed as Pakistan’s head coach in April 2024, leaves after an eight-month stint marked by challenges and a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign where Pakistan was eliminated in the group stage. Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) report that internal friction and limited authority contributed to Kirsten’s departure. His recent statements hinted at a lack of synergy among players and pointed to structural issues within the team’s management, including his exclusion from the newly restructured selection committee.
The revised selection committee, which excludes both the coach and the captain, now features prominent figures like Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, and Hasan Cheema. This reshuffling reflects the PCB’s intent to bring a fresh perspective and deepen the strategic foundation ahead of Pakistan’s hosting duties for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy—a prestigious event for which Pakistan has long awaited as host.
The PCB promptly accepted Kirsten’s resignation, announcing Gillespie as his successor. Gillespie, a former Australian fast bowler with extensive coaching experience, is expected to lead Pakistan’s preparations for their upcoming white-ball tour against Australia. This upcoming series will test Rizwan’s new captaincy and Gillespie’s ability to unify a team that has faced challenges both on and off the field.
As the 2025 Champions Trophy approaches, the PCB’s leadership overhaul has raised discussions among fans and analysts alike. Pakistan’s cricket scene is now charged with expectations, both for Rizwan’s captaincy and for Gillespie’s coaching influence, as the team seeks to solidify its reputation on the global stage.
