It’s coming down like a pack of cards. Since the Pakistan cricket team was bowed out of the T20 World Cup, it’s all gone haywire. We are hearing that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is looking to sack the entire selection committee. Captain Babar Azam claimed that it wasn’t his fault that the Men in Green failed, and now head coach Gary Kirsten has confirmed that there is a rift among players in the team.
Gary Kirtsen confirms rift in Pakistan 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.” Pakistani journalist Ihtisham Ul Haq has claimed that Kirsten is appalled by the lack of unity in the team and hasn’t seen a similar situation in his coaching career.
The revelation that there is in-fighting in the Pakistan team isn’t exactly shocking given how Shaheen Afridi was sacked as captain after leading the Pakistan cricket team for just one series. The pacer allegedly rejected the PCB’s offer of becoming vice-captain ahead of the T20 World Cup following his humiliation.
It was made even clearer that there were big issues when Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s former vice-captain, stated that Shaheen should’ve been given a longer run before Pakistan played their T20 World Cup opener against the USA. Then, after India miraculously beat Pakistan, Iftikhar Ahmed was caught bashing his own teammate, Imad Wasim, for his slow batting.
Kirsten unhappy about Pakistan players fitness & skills
Apparently, unity, or lack thereof, is just one factor that Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten isn’t happy about. Previously. He was critical of his players sloppy performance against India and told them to take more responsibility. Now, there is another development.
According to GeoSuper, Kirsten isn’t satisfied with the fitness and skill sets of several players. The seasoned coach feels that the Men in Green are far behind global standards, despite having experienced campaigners.
“If we want to compete in the world, we have to improve our fitness and skills and be united. We are way behind in terms of fitness! Only the players who want to improve on their fitness will remain in the team,” Kirsten said to players allegedly.
