The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed Gary Kirsten’s resignation as the national team’s white-ball coach, citing differences in opinion with the board. Kirsten’s departure has sparked a search for a new coach, with two major names emerging as contenders: current senior selector Aaqib Javed and former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq.

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Who will be Pakistan’s next white-ball coach?

According to sources, Gary Kirsten and red-ball coach Jason Gillespie were unhappy with the recent changes that gave selectors more powers, leading to Kirsten’s resignation. Gillespie has been asked to manage the team for the upcoming white-ball series in Australia but has indicated it’s a one-off arrangement.

The PCB is now considering various options, including appointing assistant coach Azhar Mahmood as interim head coach or hiring either Aaqib Javed or Saqlain Mushtaq as the new white-ball coach. Saqlain has previous experience as Pakistan’s head coach but was replaced by Mickey Arthur last year.

“The problem is both Kirsten and Gillispie were not happy with their sudden demotion in powers with the selectors given powers to call all the shots,” one source said.

“The situation now is that the PCB has to appoint a new white ball coach given the number of white ball commitments of the national team coming up and leading up to the Champions Trophy early next year,” the source said.

“One option is to let assistant coach Azhar Mahmood continue as interim head coach but Aaqib or Saqlain could also land the job.” 

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The source did say they are some other candidates under consideration and the board chairman, Mohsin Naqvi would soon have talks with shortlisted candidates.

The PCB has made no official comment on why Kirsten resigned nor has the former South African player said anything but board insiders say the dispute arose over several issues between Kirsten and the PCB.

(With PTI inputs)