Cricket

Gary Kirsten, the newly appointed Pakistan white-ball coach, has expressed his concerns about the challenges facing the team and the state of Test cricket.Kirsten, who has yet to join the Pakistan camp in person, has identified potential "blockages" within the squad. He believes his role is to unlock the players' natural abilities and address the issues that have hindered their success.Pakistan's recent performances have been disappointing, with a poor ODI World Cup followed by Test and T20I series losses to Australia and New Zealand. The team also struggled against a weakened New Zealand side and only narrowly defeated Ireland.Kirsten acknowledged the negativity surrounding Pakistan cricket, attributing it to the knock-on effects of poor on-field results. He emphasized the importance of building relationships with the board and accepting the limitations of his powers.Kirsten's experience with India has prepared him for the administrative challenges of working with a South Asian cricket board. He believes in focusing on winnable battles and building relationships with the board to gain their support.One of Kirsten's key concerns is the over-reliance on captain Babar Azam. He believes Babar should not feel the pressure to carry the team and that other players need to step up and make match-winning contributions.Kirsten's appointment alongside Jason Gillespie, who will coach the Test side, has coincided with Pakistan's 2-1 T20I series win against Ireland. Kirsten will join the team in England for their upcoming T20I series against England ahead of the T20 World Cup.While Kirsten has set his sights on winning one of the three upcoming ICC white-ball events, he expressed concerns about the frequency of these tournaments. He believes it could lead to a lack of context in matches and potentially harm Test cricket.Kirsten's appointment is a significant step for Pakistan cricket. His experience and insights will be crucial in addressing the team's challenges and unlocking their potential.

Gary Kirsten, the former South African cricketer and coach, will commence his two-year tenure as head coach of the Pakistan men's national cricket team on May 19 in Leeds. This appointment marks a significant milestone for Pakistan cricket, as Kirsten brings a wealth of experience and success to the role.Kirsten's coaching credentials are impeccable. He guided India to victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup, a historic achievement that cemented his status as one of the most respected coaches in the game. He also coached South Africa for two years, leading them to several notable victories.In his new role, Kirsten will be tasked with preparing Pakistan for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The team's first match in the tournament will be against the USA in Dallas on June 6. Kirsten believes that Pakistan has the potential to make a strong impact at the World Cup, but it will require collective effort and unwavering support."These are indeed thrilling times for Pakistan cricket," Kirsten said. "The upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our skills and uphold Pakistan's legacy as a formidable force in cricket."To support Kirsten in his mission, the PCB has also appointed Simon Helmot as fielding coach and David Reid as mental performance coach. Helmot will join the team on May 31, while Reid will arrive on May 20 and remain until the end of the World Cup.The PCB's decision to prioritize the mental well-being of its players is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in sports. Reid, a seasoned expert with nearly two decades of experience, will provide comprehensive care to the players, helping them thrive both on and off the field."Ensuring the mental health and well-being of our elite cricketers is not just a priority, but a fundamental commitment," said Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman. "We are confident that our players will receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive both on and off the field."Kirsten's appointment, along with the addition of Helmot and Reid, signals a new era for Pakistan cricket. The team will be looking to build on its recent successes and make a strong statement at the T20 World Cup. With Kirsten at the helm, Pakistan has the potential to achieve great things.

Pakistan's former captain Younis Khan has urged the current team, led by Babar Azam, to adapt to the demands of modern cricket. Speaking at an event in Karachi, Khan emphasized the need for top-order batters like Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman to improve their strike rates and make better use of the power play. He also stressed the importance of bowlers being prepared to perform under pressure.Khan's comments come amidst concerns about Pakistan's recent performances, including a shock defeat to Ireland in a T20 International. Former national team colleague Rashid Latif believes that frequent captaincy changes have disrupted the team's environment. He criticized the decision to remove Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain after just one series, arguing that it undermined Babar Azam's authority.Pakistan's new head coach, Gary Kirsten, faces the challenge of restoring stability to the dressing room. His experience working with players from the subcontinent, both with the Indian team and in the Indian Premier League, could prove valuable.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is expected to meet with the players in Dublin to address their concerns. The team is yet to announce its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Kirsten's appointment is seen as an attempt to bring about a change in Pakistan's fortunes. His task will be to instill a winning mentality and create a cohesive team environment. With his experience and knowledge, Kirsten is expected to play a key role in Pakistan's preparations for the T20 World Cup.

The Gujarat Titans, under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, achieved remarkable success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), reaching consecutive finals in 2022 and 2023. However, the team's fortunes have taken a downturn under the captaincy of Shubman Gill this season, as they find themselves at the bottom of the table with seven losses and only four wins in 11 games.A significant challenge for the Titans has been the lack of runs from Gill. In the last five outings, Gill has struggled to make an impact with the bat, registering three single-digit scores and a highest score of only 35. This dip in form has added to the team's woes and contributed to their disappointing performance this season.Gujarat Titans batting coach Gary Kirsten, however, felt that Gill has enjoyed the leadership role, but captaincy is something that takes time to master. "I think he's enjoyed the captaincy, it's something that takes time to really master, but I think he's enjoyed it this season," Kirsten said. "He's a world-class player, I have no doubt that in the next three games he's going to put in one or two really good performances."Kirsten also acknowledged the challenge of replacing the injured Mohammed Shami, who has been a pivotal pace weapon for the team, particularly during the powerplay overs, over the past two seasons. "I think you do miss players. Obviously someone like a Shami who was big for us in the last two years, that kind of a player is difficult to replace. You can't replace world-class bowlers like that.""There are some talented young bowlers in our group, but it takes time to find your feet against guys that are wanting to trade every ball for six."The South African said the Powerplay has exposed the bowling of many teams this season. "That's an area where I think all the teams have been exposed. The powerplay has been a tough place to bowl this season. But saying that, a little bit in the wicket, you nick a few batters off and anything can happen.""Ahmedabad is traditionally a wicket that does a little bit up-front. So, tomorrow it could turn around and the seamers can get some wickets for us and we can get 2-3 wickets quite quickly and then the whole game changes."GT are technically still in the mix though with a maximum tally of 14 points, it would be very difficult for them to qualify. Kirsten wants his team to produce a "solid" show in the last 3 games. "We haven't played the kind of cricket we know that we can play. There are certain components of our game that haven't been as consistent as in the past. So for the last three games, we just want to play solid cricket in all departments of the game, because if you don't, you'll get exposed.""So hopefully one or two guys put in some match-winning performances tomorrow and we can play a good game of cricket."Kirsten said his team will need to find a way to take wickets in the Powerplay so that spinners can come into the picture. "If we bowl reasonably well in the power play, it helps our spinners big time because then the spinners can bowl to new batters, which makes a big difference."As a purist who values the balance between bat and ball, Kirsten is concerned about the overwhelming dominance of batters in the current IPL season. He urges the BCCI to explore ways to restore equilibrium between batting and bowling in the league.This season has been particularly challenging for bowlers, with IPL teams achieving 250-plus totals on eight occasions, indicating a significant advantage for the batsmen. Kirsten's sentiments reflect a broader concern within the cricketing community regarding the need to maintain the integrity and competitiveness of the game by ensuring a fair balance between batting and bowling prowess in T20 cricket.

Pakistan's limited-overs skipper, Babar Azam, expressed optimism about the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of the white-ball side, believing it will significantly enhance the team's performance. Kirsten, a seasoned coach with experience guiding India and South Africa, has been contracted for two years.Azam highlighted Kirsten's extensive experience and his proactive approach in planning for the upcoming World Cup. He revealed that Kirsten is actively involved in strategy discussions with the team management and is providing valuable insights. The skipper emphasized that Kirsten's daily communication with the team ensures constant feedback and support.Addressing concerns over team selection, Azam dismissed any internal rifts and stated that the squad for the Ireland tour will be finalized based on form and fitness. He clarified that the top-order batting positions are not set in stone and decisions will be made in the best interests of the team.Azam also acknowledged the need to provide opportunities for young players like Ayub, Azam, Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan. He emphasized that these players require time to settle into international cricket and the management will fully support them in the lead-up to the World Cup.Regarding Pakistan's strategy against India's star batter, Virat Kohli, Azam emphasized that the team plans against all eleven players and does not focus solely on one individual. He acknowledged Kohli's exceptional abilities but stressed that Pakistan will devise a comprehensive plan to counter his threat.Azam expressed confidence in the team's unity and his own leadership abilities. He attributed his previous success as captain to the support of his teammates and expressed gratitude for the board's backing.

World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten has been appointed as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team for a two-year term. Pakistan will participate in two T20 World Cups (2024 and 2026) and one Champions Trophy during Kirsten's tenure.Upon assuming his role, Kirsten outlined his vision for the team's future, emphasizing the importance of winning major ICC tournaments. "If you can win one of those three ICC Events, that will be an amazing achievement on its own," he said. "My job is to make sure that the team operates at its best, and if the team is operating at its best, we will always have a good chance of winning a trophy."However, former Pakistan player Ahmed Shehzad criticized Kirsten's statements, questioning his understanding of the team's dynamics. "Gary Kirsten is a renowned coach, but he will be fed information by those who will select the team," Shehzad said. "He does not have a base in Lahore nor has he grown up in Pakistan to understand the nature of different players."Shehzad also expressed concern over Kirsten's cautious approach, stating that "he is keeping himself in a safe position" by suggesting that Pakistan may not win the upcoming T20 World Cup but could perform better in the future. "This is not how a winner talks," Shehzad added.Despite Shehzad's criticism, Kirsten remains confident in his ability to guide Pakistan to success. He has a proven track record of success, having coached India to the 2011 World Cup title and South Africa to the top of the ICC Test rankings.Kirsten's appointment is part of a broader restructuring of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has also seen the appointment of former captain Shahid Afridi as the chief selector. The PCB is hoping that these changes will help Pakistan regain its status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Gary Kirsten, the former South African cricketer and renowned coach, has been appointed as the head coach of Pakistan's white-ball team. However, his virtual interaction with the players has sparked controversy among fans.Kirsten, who is currently in India as the batting coach of Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), conducted a virtual meeting with the Pakistani players. This move has drawn criticism from fans, who question the effectiveness of online coaching."How do players learn from a coach through a laptop screen?" one fan asked. "Like Mickey Arthur, he will also do online coaching. PCB, is this cricket or is it a joke?" another fan commented.Despite the criticism, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has defended Kirsten's virtual coaching. A PCB official stated that if Gujarat Titans fail to qualify for the IPL playoffs, Kirsten will be available from the start of the T20 series against England.Until Kirsten joins the team, Azhar Mahmood, the former Test all-rounder, will lead Pakistan on its tour of Ireland and England. Mahmood, who has been appointed as the assistant coach to Kirsten, will act as head coach in the interim.The PCB has also appointed Muhammad Yousuf, the former Test batsman, as the batting coach, and Saeed Ajmal, the legendary spinner, as the spin bowling coach.Kirsten's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans believe that his experience and expertise will benefit the Pakistani team, while others are skeptical about the effectiveness of virtual coaching.

The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) recent appointment of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for the white-ball and red-ball teams, respectively, has sparked debate within the cricket fraternity. The timing of the appointments, just days before the ICC T20 World Cup, has raised concerns among experts.Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif expressed his apprehension over the late appointments. He highlighted the importance of stability and continuity in the lead-up to major tournaments. Latif emphasized that the timing of the appointments could put undue pressure on both Kirsten and Pakistan captain Babar Azam.Despite his concerns, Latif acknowledged the experience and impressive records of both Kirsten and Gillespie. However, he stressed the need for earlier appointments to allow the coaches and players to build a strong working relationship.The PCB's announcement of an 18-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England also drew attention. The squad will be reduced to 15 players for the World Cup after the first T20I at Leeds on May 22.The selection committee recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf and all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha to the squad. Wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan were dropped from the original 17-player squad that faced New Zealand.The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Dublin on May 7 for a three-day training camp before the start of the T20I series. The team will be looking to build momentum and finalize their preparations for the World Cup.

Pakistan's newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten has set an ambitious target for the national cricket team: to win at least one of the three upcoming ICC events in the next three years. These events include two T20 World Cups (2024 and 2026) and the 2025 ODI Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host.Kirsten, who is currently the mentor of IPL side Gujarat Titans, believes that winning one of these major tournaments would be a significant achievement for Pakistan. "If you can win one of those three ICC Events, that will be an amazing achievement on its own," he said.The former South Africa batter is expected to take charge of his new job from May 22 ahead of Pakistan's tour of England. He admitted that the time frame for preparations for the T20 World Cup in June is short, but he is confident that the team can build a solid foundation in the next three weeks.Kirsten emphasized the importance of creating a positive environment for the players to perform at their best. "My job is to make sure that the team operates at its best. If the team is operating at its best, we will always have a good chance of winning a trophy," he said.He also highlighted the immense talent within the Pakistan team, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf. "I'm looking forward to understanding what makes them tick and how I can help them to be the best versions of themselves going forward," he said.Kirsten believes that Pakistan has the potential to be one of the top teams in the world. "The view on Pakistan cricket hasn't shifted for a long time. There is always an expectation that it should be a high performing team all the time," he said. "It's always wonderful from a coaching perspective when you can help them unlock the real potential."