T20 World Cup 2024: Gary Kirsten Criticizes Pakistan Cricket Team’s Unity and Performance

Gary Kirsten, Pakistan’s head coach, recently shared strong criticism of the team after they were eliminated early from the T20 World Cup 2024 during the group stage. Kirsten, who has a long history in coaching, said he has never seen a team so divided. He pointed out that there was no unity among the players, and they seemed to lack support for each other. This was Kirsten’s first experience coaching Pakistan, as he was hired by the Pakistan Cricket Board just before the World Cup.

Despite entering the tournament as the previous runners-up, Pakistan’s performance was underwhelming. The 2009 champions ended their campaign in the USA with a win against Ireland, but it wasn’t enough to make up for their earlier losses. They were shocked by a loss to the newcomers, the United States, and narrowly beaten by their rivals, India. Kirsten, who led India to a World Cup victory in 2011, did not hold back in expressing his disappointment with the team’s performance and fitness.

Kirsten’s Critique of Pakistan’s Team

Gary Kirsten commented on Pakistan’s lack of team spirit, saying, “They call it a team, but it isn’t a team. There’s no unity. I’ve worked with many teams, but I’ve never seen such a situation.” According to reports, Kirsten was also unhappy with the players’ fitness levels and felt the team’s skills were behind other top cricket teams.

Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten shocking statement:

“There’s no unity in Pakistan 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”

[via Geo… pic.twitter.com/OSYfQODPvH

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 17, 2024

After losing to India, Kirsten blamed the defeat on poor decision-making. He noted that with the score at 72 for 2 and only six or seven overs left, Pakistan should have been able to win the game. Kirsten found it disappointing that they couldn’t finish the match from a strong position.

In their last match of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan managed a tight three-wicket win over Ireland at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. However, their earlier defeats to the USA and India meant they were already out of the tournament before this game. They finished third in Group A with two wins from four matches.

Cricket Stars React to Kirsten’s Comments

Gary Kirsten’s remarks stirred reactions from cricket legends. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh suggested Kirsten should resign from his position as Pakistan’s head coach and return to coaching India. Harbhajan praised Kirsten as a great coach and mentor, recalling his leadership during India’s 2011 World Cup win. On social media, Harbhajan wrote, “Don’t waste your time there Gary. Come back to Coach Team INDIA. Gary Kirsten, one of the rare gems.”

Strong but I think very true from Gary Kirsten .. pic.twitter.com/kb43WfdhJ0

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 17, 2024

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also supported Kirsten’s views, calling them “Strong but very true.”

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