Pakistan's disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage has sparked a firestorm of criticism and revelations. Former cricketers and experts have expressed their concerns, but none have been as damning as the leaked comments from Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten, who exposed a deep-seated lack of unity within the team.
Led by Babar Azam, who regained captaincy from Shaheen Afridi before the tournament, Pakistan crashed out after suffering defeats to USA and India. Rumors of groupism and internal divisions have plagued the team, and Kirsten's leaked outburst has only served to confirm these suspicions.
"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 reportedly said, according to a leak by Geo News.
Kirsten's comments have painted a grim picture of Pakistan's team dynamics, suggesting a lack of cohesion and support among the players. This revelation has raised questions about the team's leadership and the ability of the players to perform as a unit.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the situation, highlighting the ease with which secrets are leaked in the Pakistani media. "It worked like ghee on fire," Chopra quipped, referring to the fact that anything can be leaked in Pakistan, making it difficult to keep secrets after a poor tournament.
"Gary Kirsten has probably said that he didn't say anything like that, but Pakistan cricket is like a strainer. Whatever you put, it leaks from the other end," Chopra added.
The leaked comments have also exposed the insecurity within the Pakistan team, according to renowned journalist Harsha Bhogle. "When a private conversation within a dressing room is leaked... it exposes the insecurity within," Bhogle tweeted.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who was part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning team under Kirsten, has urged his former coach to return to India. "Don't waste your time there Gary, come back to coach Team INDIA," Harbhajan posted on Twitter.
Pakistan's struggles have continued despite Kirsten's appointment as head coach. The team's lack of unity and poor performances have raised concerns about their future prospects. It remains to be seen whether Kirsten can turn things around and help Pakistan regain its former glory.
Tags: #PakistanCricket, #T20WorldCup, #GaryKirsten, #TeamUnity, #InternalDivisions
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