Gary Kirsten Criticizes Pakistan Cricket Team For Lack Of Unity

Karachi, Jun 17: Head coach Gary Kirsten has delivered a scathing critique of the Pakistan cricket team, stating there is "no unity" within the side. Kirsten, who has an extensive coaching career, remarked that he had "never seen such a situation" before.

Kirsten's comments come after Pakistan's group-stage exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Entering the tournament as runners-up from the previous edition, Pakistan ended with a consolation win over Ireland but suffered a shock loss to newcomers USA and a defeat against traditional rivals India.

According to media reports in Pakistan, Kirsten, who guided India to an ODI World Cup triumph in 2011, was blunt in his assessment of the team following their elimination. "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," Kirsten said as per reports quoting a senior scribe.

Reports on the Jang Newspaper website quoting sources indicate that Kirsten identified the lack of unity as the primary cause for the early exit from the World Cup. "Kirsten told the players that he was surprised to see since he joined the team at the end of May that there is no unity in the team," the report said.

The South African coach, who joined immediately after working with Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, also expressed concerns over the fitness and skill levels of Pakistan players. "Your fitness levels are not up to the mark and you are far behind the rest of the world in terms of skill levels," Kirsten reportedly told the players.

Kirsten warned that players who do not improve would be excluded from the team. A source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mentioned that Kirsten would be sending a detailed report on the team's performance to PCB soon. "Kirsten did have a word with PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi but now that the World Cup assignment is over he will send a detailed report," said the source.

Disappointing Losses and Future Plans

Kirsten has returned home from the USA with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. The source added that he would come to Lahore around the last week of August. After Pakistan's defeat to India, Kirsten attributed the loss to poor decision-making. "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."

On Sunday, Pakistan beat Ireland by three wickets in their last match of the T20 World Cup at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. Despite this win, Pakistan's earlier defeats meant they were eliminated before concluding group-stage matches. The victory against Ireland ensured Pakistan finished third in Group A with two wins from four games.