CAPE TOWN — South Africa coach Gary Kirsten will not renew his contract after next month's Champions Trophy, citing family reasons in a surprise decision announced Friday. Kirsten, the most successful coach in Test and limited overs cricket in recent years, has opted not to extend his two-year contract, which runs out in August. “Gary has a young family and it is understandable that he wishes to spend more time at home,” said Cricket South Africa (CSA) president Chris Nenzani in a statement. The Champions Trophy in England and Wales next month will be the last tournament in charge of the side for the 45-year-old, who took charge of the team in 2011. His initial contract was for two years with a further two-year option but he informed the CSA board at the end of last month that he would not be staying on. Kirsten led India to World Cup glory in 2011 and later that year returned home to coach South Africa having been singled out as the man who could lead his native country to similar success in the 2015 event. “There have been many highlights over the past two years which have been well documented and I have every confidence that the Proteas will continue to go from strength to strength,” Kirsten said in the same statement. A successor is expected to be announced soon. The former opening batsman played international cricket for South Africa between 1993 and 2004, averaging over 40 in both tests and one day internationals. Kirsten, who has two young sons and a daughter, has spoken often in interviews of the difficulty of juggling family life with the travel demands of international cricket. — Agencies
