Harbhajan Singh and Gary Kirsten. (Source – Twitter/X)
Tensions are running high in the aftermath of Pakistan’s shambolic early exit from the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten has found himself at the centre of all the allegations of disunity within Babar Azam’s side.
Now, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in, urging Kirsten to leave the Pakistan team and return to coach India instead.
Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment, after losing their first two games to the USA and arch-rivals, with wins over Canada and Ireland being little consolation. The Men in Green failed to qualify for the Super Eights stage. In the fallout, Kirsten reportedly stirred controversy with claims of a lack of unity and support within the Pakistani dressing room.
Singh, a member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team under Kirsten’s guidance, took to social media to advise the South African. He called Kirsten one of the rarest diamonds and a special man for the Indian team, urging him not to waste time with Pakistan and instead return to coach India.
“Don’t waste ur time there Gary, Come back to Coach Team INDIA. Gary Kirsten is One of the rare [Gems]. A Great Coach, Mentor, Honest, and very dear friend to all on our 2011 Team, our winning coach of the 2011 World Cup. Special man Gary,” Bhajji wrote on X.
Don’t waste ur time there Gary .. Come back to Coach Team INDIA .. Gary Kirsten One of the rare 💎.. A Great Coach ,Mentor, Honest nd very dear friend to all in the our 2011 Team .. our winning coach of 2011 worldcup . Special man Gary ❤️ @Gary_Kirsten
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
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 17, 2024
Also read: Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten slams team after dismal T20 World Cup 2024 performance
There’s no unity in Pakistan’s team: Gary
The veteran coach, who led India to their second ODI World Cup title in 2011, was brought in as Pakistan’s coach just weeks before the marquee event.
However, the Men in Green performed poorly, winning just two of their four group games. As comments circulated about the alleged discord, even former Pakistani President Arif Alvi jokingly suggested legal action against Kirsten for attacking the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan.
As per Journalist Sikander Bakht, Gary said these things after the Ireland game Kirsten had reportedly criticized the Pakistani players for a lack of unity during the World Cup, claiming he had never experienced such an atmosphere in any team he had coached before.
Also read: Reappointing Babar Azam as skipper was the worst decision by PCB: Ahmed Shehzad
“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 was quoted as saying.