Former Proteas coach Gary Kirsten has not applied for Cricket South Africa’s vacant director of cricket position.

The position was created earlier this year, but hasn’t been filled on a permanent basis. Former coach Corrie van Zyl holds the post in an acting capacity, but he is suspended.

Former captain Graeme Smith was interviewed for the position, but later formally withdrew his candidacy earlier this month.

Also see: Pollock’s advice for CSA

‘I have not been approached by CSA and I still enjoy coaching too much, so I will not apply if the position is advertised again,’ Kirsten was quoted as saying by Netwerk24.

‘I have been out of international cricket coaching for six years now and the need to spend time with my family weighs heavily on me. So, I don’t believe I will apply.’

Kirsten, who also coached India, is working with the Durban Heat in the ongoing Mzansi Super League in South Africa. He will coach the Welsh Fire in next year’s The Hundred – the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new limited-overs tournament.

Former captain Shaun Pollock has implored CSA to fill the vacancy before England arrive for a Test series later this year.

‘The sooner you pick the director of cricket, the better,’ IOL quoted Pollock as saying.

‘I must admit when Graeme said he was applying, I think you have to do it with the understanding of SA cricket and the sensitivity of some of the issues in SA cricket like diversity and the way things work.

‘If you’re going to apply and expect things to change, that’s being a bit ambitious on certain aspects.’

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