Ramiz Raja on Gary Kirsten's Departure: 'Hiring International Talent Will Be Challenging for Pakistan'

Ramiz Raja on Gary Kirsten's Departure: 'Hiring International Talent Will Be Challenging for Pakistan'

Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has expressed concerns that Gary Kirsten's abrupt resignation as head coach of Pakistan's ODI and T20I teams could hinder the country's ability to attract top international coaching talent in the future.

Kirsten resigned just six months into a two-year contract, leaving Pakistan without having coached in a single ODI, and his departure comes just before Pakistan's white-ball tour of Australia.

Raja noted that the recent upheaval within Pakistan cricket might deter potential international candidates. He pointed out that prominent figures like Shane Watson and Darren Sammy had previously been approached but declined offers to coach the national team.

“When searching for international coaches, the backlash from Kirsten's resignation complicates things,” Ramiz said. “It won’t be straightforward for Pakistan to hire international talent. Clarity regarding roles is crucial, and I’m not sure Kirsten was given that.”

Raja emphasized that Pakistan needed an experienced coach like Kirsten, especially with the upcoming challenges. Tensions had arisen between Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, Pakistan's new Test coach, following the PCB’s decision to remove their selection powers after a Test defeat against England.

ESPNcricinfo reports that Gillespie is also dissatisfied with recent changes, including the formation of a new selection panel, which controversially included umpire Aleem Dar.

“I’m skeptical about an umpire being a selector,” Ramiz remarked. “There should be strong leadership in cricket. A leader needs accountability and should be empowered.”

With Gillespie stepping in as the white-ball coach and Mohammad Rizwan taking over as captain after Babar Azam's resignation, the team faces a challenging start. Rizwan will lead a relatively inexperienced squad in ODIs and T20Is against Australia.

“This is Rizwan’s chance to assert his authority and choose the players he trusts,” Ramiz stated. “Currently, the selection committee is nominating the playing XI, which is unusual.”

Following criticism for his controversial comments about Test captain Shan Masood, Ramiz called for a more stable atmosphere within Pakistan cricket. “It’s important for everyone to understand the value of a calm start, especially with a demanding schedule ahead,” he said.

He expressed hope that the team can build on their recent success against England, despite the challenges posed by the format change. “Pakistan cricket is difficult to manage because situations can change rapidly,” he concluded.

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