The Pakistan cricket team has faced heavy criticism for their poor performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the defending champions were eliminated in the first round. Their disappointing campaign included a humiliating defeat by the United States. However, the focus shifted from the team’s performance to a statement made by head coach Gary Kirsten following Pakistan’s last Group A match against Ireland.
Strong but I think very true from Gary Kirsten .. pic.twitter.com/kb43WfdhJ0
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 17, 2024
Gary Kirsten Leaves No Words Minced For Pakistan Cricket Team
“There’s no unity in Pakistan’s team. They call it a team, but it isn’t a team. They aren’t supporting each other; everyone is separated, left and right. I’ve worked with many teams, but I’ve never seen such a situation,” Kirsten said as per reports quoting a senior scribe.
Kirsten harshly criticized the struggling team, stating that there was “no unity” within the squad and that he had “never seen such a situation” in his extensive coaching career. His comments came after Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies.
“Meri team main current players se bat huyi hai. Unhone confirm kiya hai ki jo final meeting huyi hai, unme unhone iss tarah ki baat ki hai and Gary Kirsten wali statement true hai (I have had a chat with some of the current players in the team. They have confirmed that Gary Kirsten’s statement is correct and he said all those things in the final meeting),” said Shehzad on ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show.
According to Pakistani media reports, Kirsten, who led India to their 2011 ODI World Cup victory, did not hold back in his evaluation of the team. Geosuper.tv quoted sources revealing that Kirsten also expressed dissatisfaction with the players’ fitness levels and commented that the team lags significantly in skill compared to other international teams.
Out-of-favor Pakistan player Ahmed Shehzad confirmed that the viral quote was indeed from Kirsten and added that it was made during a team meeting after Pakistan’s final World Cup game against Ireland.
“I talked to some players from the team. They confirmed that Kirsten has said that in the final meeting,” Shehzad said.
Also Read: PCB All Set For Major Changes, Pakistan Players To Lose Central Contracts: Report
