Kirsten returns home as PCB mulls new white-ball captain

LAHORE: Pakistan’s head coach for the limited-overs format, Gary Kirsten, has returned home after weeks spent in Lahore and Faisalabad observing the Champions Cup and participating in meetings with selectors and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials.

His departure marks the end of a crucial period of evaluation, during which the groundwork was laid for the announcement of Pakistan’s new white-ball captain, expected later this month.

The departure of Babar Azam as captain of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams has sparked widespread speculation about his successor. Two key names have emerged as frontrunners: wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Both players have been standout performers for Pakistan and have garnered support from within the team and cricketing circles.

An insider revealed that Kirsten, along with other key figures such as Jason Gillespie, had discussions with the selection committee regarding the captaincy.