Pakistan cricket coach Gary Kirsten blasts team for lack of unity, fitness

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricket coach Gary Kirsten has come down hard on players over lack of unity and fitness during the T20 World Cup 2024.

Sources said that the head coach of the Pakistani team, which failed to reach the Super Eight in the T20 World Cup, Gary Kirsten, criticized the cricketers during a post-T20 World Cup exit briefing.

The national team had failed to advance after an upset defeat against the USA in two matches of the first round. They also lost a match against India, and despite victories against Canada and Ireland, they could not progress.

According to sources, after the narrow victory over Ireland, Kirsten was disappointed with the players’ fitness levels, skills, and game awareness. He, without mincing words, discussed the issues with the players.

Also read: Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup performance

Speaking to the players, Kirsten said, “Our fitness level is not up to standard and must be improved. We are far behind the world in skill level, despite playing so much cricket. No one knows which shot to play and when.”

Sources also revealed that the coach was unhappy with the senior players’ differences and their lack of interest in team affairs.

He questioned the team’s unity, stating, “Since I have assumed the office, I have noticed a lack of unity in the team. I have worked with many teams and have never seen such a situation.”

Kirsten expressed disappointment that the players did not support each other.

He emphasised that to compete with world teams, the team must improve fitness, skills, and unity. “Players who improve in these areas will stay in the team; otherwise, they will be banished from team,” he warned.