Gary Kirsten’s explosive comments about his time as Pakistan’s white-ball coach have put the PCB in the spotlight once again — and this time, the accusation is not about team selection or results, but about how the board itself operates.

Six Months, Then Gone

Kirsten was appointed Pakistan’s ODI and T20I head coach in April 2024 on a two-year contract. He lasted barely six months. In October 2024, he resigned with immediate effect — just a week before Pakistan were set to begin an ODI series in Australia — without having overseen a single ODI in the role.

During his brief stint, Pakistan exited the 2024 T20 World Cup in the first round itself — in the United States and the Caribbean — which added to the growing tension around his position.

At the time, reports pointed to a rift between Kirsten and the PCB after the board stripped the coach and captain of any input in team selection, handing that power entirely to the national selection committee. Now, speaking to talkSPORT Cricket months later, Kirsten has said clearly what he felt went wrong.

“I Have Never Seen Interference at This Level”

Kirsten did not hold back when describing what he encountered inside Pakistan cricket.

“The thing that surprised me more than anything was the level of interference. I don’t think I have ever seen it at that level before.”

“It is quite difficult for a coach to come and formulate a way that you can work with the players when there is just this constant noise from the outside.”

He also said coaches are too often made the “lowest-hanging fruit” — the first ones blamed when the team does not perform, regardless of the environment they are working in. Kirsten pointed to what he called a toxic work culture under the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB, adding that in such conditions, sustained success is nearly impossible for any coach.

Interestingly, Kirsten’s red-ball counterpart Jason Gillespie — who was appointed around the same time and also left shortly after — has been reportedly linked to similar complaints, with former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed accused of plotting against both coaches during their tenures.

Naqvi’s Response: “Ask Those Who Were With Him”

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was asked about Kirsten’s comments at a media briefing and chose to keep his answer brief.

“I didn’t have many interactions with Gary Kirsten, so it would be better if those people who were coordinating things with him and involved regularly with him responded in detail to his allegations.”

It was a deflection more than a denial — Naqvi did not dispute Kirsten’s claims directly, but passed the ball to others who worked more closely with the former coach.

One Thing Kirsten Did Enjoy

Despite everything, Kirsten was clear that his issues were with the board, not the players.

“I actually really enjoyed working with the players. I think professional cricketers across the board in any culture are great people. Even though there was a language barrier, when you’re talking cricket, you’re understanding what we’re saying to each other.”

It is a telling distinction — Kirsten valued the time with the players, but found the administrative environment around them impossible to work in. He has since moved on, and recently took charge as the head coach of the Sri Lanka national team.

For PCB, the comments are another unwanted headline at an already difficult time — as the board simultaneously deals with PSL 2026’s many off-field crises.