PCB Set to Appoint Local White-Ball Head Coach Ahead of Zimbabwe, South Africa Tours
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to take a significant shift in its coaching strategy, moving away from foreign head coaches after a string of challenging experiences, most notably with former head coach Gary Kirsten.
Sources within the PCB have indicated that Jason Gillespie’s tenure as the Test team’s head coach is likely to be cut short, signaling the board’s intention to appoint a Pakistan-based head coach to oversee all formats of the national team. This move reflects the PCB’s growing focus on local leadership to enhance team performance and streamline decision-making.
The friction and dissatisfaction during Kirsten’s time with the team have been a catalyst for this shift. PCB officials are now re-evaluating their reliance on foreign head coaches, exploring a hybrid model where foreign coaches may be limited to specialized roles, such as batting, bowling, and fielding consultants. The overarching leadership, however, will rest with a local head coach who will supervise all formats of the game.
Reports suggest that the PCB has faced difficulties with foreign coaches, including demands and coercive tactics to influence decisions. Gillespie, too, reportedly sought to impose conditions on his role, but the board reminded him that his appointment was temporary and emphasized adherence to the code of conduct.
The PCB is expected to announce the new white-ball head coach in the coming days, ahead of Pakistan’s tours to Zimbabwe and South Africa. This decision underscores a broader strategic pivot towards empowering local coaching talent, a direction that aligns with the PCB’s vision for long-term stability and independence.