NEW DELHI: Gary Kirsten, the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, has expressed his deep disappointment and frustration with the team’s performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
In a scathing criticism, Kirsten stated that there is “no unity” within the team, and he has “never seen such a situation” throughout his extensive coaching career.
Pakistan’s dismal showing in the tournament culminated in a group stage exit, a far cry from their runner-up finish in the previous edition.
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The team’s lackluster performance was marked by a shocking defeat against tournament debutants USA, followed by a loss to their arch-rivals India. Pakistan managed to salvage some pride with a consolation victory over Ireland, but it was too little, too late.
According to PTI, reports from Pakistani media outlets suggest that Kirsten, who famously led India to their ODI World Cup victory in 2011, did not mince his words when assessing the team’s shortcomings after their elimination from the T20 World Cup.
His candid remarks underscore the urgent need for the Pakistan cricket team to address the apparent lack of cohesion and unity within their ranks if they hope to bounce back from this disappointing campaign.
“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.
According to sources cited by Geosuper.tv 4, Kirsten conveyed his dissatisfaction regarding the players’ fitness levels. He also mentioned that the team’s skill level is significantly lower compared to other teams worldwide.
Following Pakistan’s loss against India, Kirsten attributed the team’s defeat to subpar decision-making on their part.
“Disappointing loss, that’s for sure,” Kirsten had said.
“I knew 120 was not going to be an easy target. If India got only 120, it was always going to be not the easiest. But I think we had the game at 72 for 2 with six or seven overs left. Disappointing not to get across the line from the position we got ourselves into.”
Pakistan emerged victorious against Ireland by a margin of three wickets in their final encounter of the T20 World Cup on Sunday.
Prior to their last group stage match, Pakistan had already been knocked out of the tournament due to their losses against the USA and India.
By securing a win against Ireland, Pakistan managed to claim the third position in Group A, having achieved two victories out of their four matches played in the event.