Gary Kirsten. (Source – Getty Images)
Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 ended in a grave disappointment, with a narrow three-wicket win over Ireland being little consolation. Losing two of their four group-stage matches against the USA and India, the Men in Green failed to qualify for the Super Eights stage. In the fallout, newly-appointed Pakistan head coach, Gary Kirsten, reportedly stirred controversy with allegations of disunity within Babar Azam’s side.
Kirsten, who led India to World Cup glory in 2011, was brought in as Pakistan’s coach just weeks before the marquee event. However, Pakistan underperformed drastically, winning just two of their four group games against Canada and Ireland. A day after their elimination, comments on Kirsten began circulating about an apparent lack of unity in the dressing room.
According to an NDTV Sports report, veteran Pakistani journalist Ihtisham Ul Haq quoted Kirsten talking about the rough equation amongst the players. He even spoke about the lack of support within the 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, ” Ul Haq wrote on X.
Babar along with five other players to not return to Pakistan
The alleged remarks drew a surprising response from the former President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi. Reposting the statement, Alvi suggested registering FIRs against Gary Kirsten across the nation’s cricketing centres and putting him on the Exit Control List for attacking the solidarity & integrity of Pakistan. However, Alvi clarified he was merely joking.
Also Read: Reappointing Babar Azam as skipper was worst decision by PCB: Ahmed Shehzad
“This is an attack on the solidarity & integrity of Pakistan. We have information from credible sources (cipher) that cannot be revealed that he is working under the direct influence of foreign interests against our ideology. The patron of the PCB has ordered immediate action that includes registration of FIRs in all the cricket playing centers of Pakistan and his name is put on the ECL. For Gary! Don’t worry the above is just a pun. Do your best to salvage our beleaguered cricket team,” said Alvi.
For us in Pakistan there is an easy solution to this serious allegation.
یہ تو ہمارے لیئے بائیں ہاتھ کا کھیل ہے۔
This is an attack on the solidarity & integrity of Pakistan. We have information from credible sources (cipher) that cannot be revealed that he is working under the… https://t.co/9dq0is1ufF
Pakistan’s coach Gary Kirsten shocking statement,
“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”.
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) June 17, 2024
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) June 17, 2024
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam along with five key players will not land in Karachi
In the aftermath of their World Cup disappointment, skipper Babar Azam along with Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan have opted to spend their holidays in London before returning to Pakistan. Some are even considering playing in local UK leagues.
Also Read: Babar Azam’s numbers as captain tell a story: Ex-skipper Shoaib Malik
The six players will not land in Pakistan with the rest of the squad on Tuesday. Meanwhile, head coach Kirsten and assistant Azhar Mahmood have been granted leave by the PCB to return to their home countries, with no immediate assignments for Pakistan.