"How can Pakistan Cricket lose Gary Kirsten with his resumè in coaching?" - Kevin Pietersen baffled ahead of AUS vs PAK ODI series 2024

Former England all-format cricketer Kevin Pietersen has lashed out at Pakistan cricket for creating an environment that forced Gary Kirsten to resign as the white-ball coach. The retired cricketer opined that Pakistan cricket has enough talent to distract itself from external problems.

On Monday, October 28, Kirsten stepped down from his role due to an alleged rift with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The ex-South African opener had taken up the role in April 2024 and his last series was the T20 World Cup 2024.

Taking to X, Pietersen wrote that Pakistan keep taking one step forward and two steps back:

"How can Pakistan Cricket lose Gary Kirsten with his resumè in coaching? One step forward the last few weeks and two steps back today! Stop doing it to yourselves. Too much talent to keep doing this kind of stuff!"

Under the 56-year-old, the Men in Green suffered a T20I series loss to England, followed by a humiliating group-stage exit in T20 World Cup 2024. The former champions had notably suffered a loss to the USA.

Jason Gillespie to replace Gary Kirsten as the interim coach

Meanwhile, the PCB announced that Jason Gillespie, who is the red-ball coach, will be in charge of the white-ball side on an interim basis. With the ODI and T20I tour of Australia next up, the ex-Aussie speedster will coach them.

Pakistan will face Australia in three ODIs and as many T20Is, with the opening 50-over game, getting underway on November 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Gillespie recently tasted success with the national team, leading them to a 2-1 Test series victory over England. Pakistan have also undergone a change in white-ball captaincy as Mohammad Rizwan has replaced Babar Azam, who stepped down earlier this month.

After the limited-overs series in Australia, Pakistan will travel to Zimbabwe and Gillespie could remain their coach even on that tour.