Ramiz Raja Criticizes PCB's 'Hodgepodge' After Gary Kirsten's Resignation

Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has sharply criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following Gary Kirsten’s sudden exit as Pakistan’s white-ball coach. Kirsten, a former South Africa opener and India’s coach during their 2011 World Cup win, resigned just six months into a two-year contract. Raja contends that Kirsten’s unceremonious departure has only added to the “hodgepodge” state of Pakistan cricket.

The resignation comes just a week before Pakistan’s white-ball series against Australia, prompting PCB to appoint Test coach Jason Gillespie to take on Kirsten's role temporarily. Raja emphasized that losing a coach of Kirsten’s experience right before a tour reflects poorly on Pakistan cricket, potentially making future recruitment of international coaches challenging.

“Pakistan needed an experienced hand like Gary Kirsten," Raja stated, expressing concern over the board's recent restructuring, which removed selection powers from both the captain and the head coach. Raja explained that a lack of role clarity likely contributed to Kirsten’s resignation, and he warned that without consistent support and clear roles, international talent may hesitate to join the team in the future.

As per reports, a rift between Kirsten and PCB leadership escalated when the board shifted selection duties entirely to a newly appointed committee. Gillespie, who has now assumed interim coaching duties, previously described his position as strictly focused on match-day strategies rather than selection, indicating his discomfort with the blurred lines in PCB’s current structure.

Raja's critique reflects a broader concern within Pakistani cricket circles regarding the PCB’s policies, as the board struggles to stabilize its coaching and leadership teams amidst shifting responsibilities.