Ramiz Raja on Gary Kirsten’s Departure: ‘Pakistan Faces Challenge in Attracting International Coaches’
Pakistan has struggled in recruiting top international coaches, with Shane Watson and Darren Sammy declining offers earlier this year. Raja acknowledged that Pakistan needs experienced coaches, noting, “It’s not great news...Pakistan needed an experienced hand.”
Ramiz Raja, former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), voiced concerns about Pakistan's ability to attract high-profile international coaches after Gary Kirsten's unexpected resignation as head coach of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams. Kirsten, a celebrated coach who led India to a World Cup win in 2011, stepped down just six months into a two-year contract, leaving before he coached a single ODI for Pakistan.
Kirsten’s departure came just before Pakistan's white-ball tour of Australia and amid organizational shake-ups within the PCB, including his and Test coach Jason Gillespie’s selection powers being stripped. Raja, speaking ahead of the tour, stressed that these sudden changes and lack of role clarity might deter international coaching talents. "It’s not going to be easy for Pakistan to bring in international talent after this," he stated, adding that proper role clarity is essential for coaches to be effective.
Pakistan has struggled in recruiting top international coaches, with Shane Watson and Darren Sammy declining offers earlier this year. Raja acknowledged that Pakistan needs experienced coaches, noting, “It’s not great news...Pakistan needed an experienced hand.”
Reportedly, a rift developed between Kirsten, Gillespie, and the PCB following these organizational shifts. After a Test defeat to England, a new selection panel—the third in three months—was introduced and controversially included umpire Aleem Dar. Raja expressed uncertainty about an umpire serving as a selector, suggesting that Pakistan's cricket administration would benefit from a strong, accountable leadership structure.
The Australia tour will see Jason Gillespie take on white-ball coaching responsibilities, while Mohammad Rizwan steps into the captain’s role following Babar Azam’s resignation. Raja hopes Rizwan can assert his influence over team selection, pointing out that the current structure, where the selection committee decides the playing XI, is unusual internationally. Raja expressed optimism for Rizwan’s leadership but advised that the PCB adopt a steady, non-controversial approach given Pakistan’s busy upcoming schedule.
