Gary Kirsten Goes Mountain Biking in Margalla Hills
The Gary Kirsten Margalla Hills mountain biking trip came just before Sri Lanka’s ODI tri-series opener against Pakistan at Rawalpindi on Sunday. The Pakistan Cricket Board shared a video of the ride on X, showing the former South Africa opener cycling through the hills and taking in the views.
Gary Kirsten Margalla Hills ride: what he said
In the video, Kirsten said he was grateful to be allowed to go mountain biking, which he described as his favourite hobby. He said cycling gives him a chance to see a country’s natural scenery up close.
He called the Margalla Hills spectacular and said he had enjoyed the ride. Kirsten added that he is an early riser and usually finishes his rides between 8am and 9am.
The Sri Lanka coach also praised Pakistan’s mountains, especially those in the northern areas. He said he would like to visit the north if he gets a day or two off during the tour.
A familiar face returns to Pakistan
Kirsten is no stranger to Pakistan cricket. He was appointed Pakistan’s white-ball head coach in 2024 but stepped down in October that year, only months into the role, after reported differences over team matters.
Sri Lanka Cricket appointed him head coach of its men’s team in March 2026 on a two-year term that runs until April 2028. He previously coached India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title and led South Africa from 2011 to 2013.
His return to Pakistan, this time in the opposition dugout, adds a small subplot to the tri-series. Kirsten knows the conditions, the grounds and many of the Pakistan players well from his brief stint in charge. Sri Lanka will hope that inside knowledge counts for something when the teams meet.
Tri-series under way at Rawalpindi
Sri Lanka opened their campaign against Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 18. England are the third team in the ODI tri-series, which runs until October 31.
For Kirsten, the tour is a working trip with a tourist’s bonus. If the schedule allows, the northern areas await — and few visitors get to see them with a national team as their host.
FAQ
What did Gary Kirsten do in the Margalla Hills?
He went mountain biking in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills ahead of Sri Lanka’s ODI tri-series campaign in Pakistan. The PCB shared a video of the ride on X.
What did Kirsten say about the experience?
He called the Margalla Hills spectacular, said mountain biking is his favourite hobby, and added that cycling lets him see a country’s natural scenery up close. He also hopes to visit Pakistan’s northern areas during the tour.
When did Kirsten coach Pakistan?
He was appointed Pakistan’s white-ball head coach in 2024 but stepped down in October that year, only months into the role.
Who is Kirsten coaching now?
He is the head coach of Sri Lanka’s men’s team, appointed in March 2026 on a two-year term running until April 2028. He previously coached India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title.
When does the tri-series run?
The ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England runs from October 18 to October 31.
