Cricket

Pakistan's dismal performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup has sparked widespread criticism, but it was head coach Gary Kirsten's scathing assessment that became the focal point after their elimination. Kirsten's comments, which were reportedly made in a team meeting, have sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.Kirsten, who guided India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title, minced no words in his criticism of the Pakistan team. He lamented the lack of unity within the squad, stating that he had "never seen such a situation" in his coaching career. According to media reports, Kirsten also expressed concerns about the players' fitness and skill levels."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," Kirsten was quoted as saying.Kirsten's comments have been corroborated by out-of-favor Pakistan player Ahmed Shehzad, who confirmed that the coach had indeed made those statements in a team meeting after their final T20 World Cup match against Ireland."I talked to some players from the team. They confirmed that Kirsten has said that in the final meeting," Shehzad told Geo TV.Kirsten's criticism has reignited the debate about the state of Pakistan cricket. The team's poor performance in recent years has raised questions about the coaching staff, player selection, and the overall direction of the sport in the country.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to respond to Kirsten's comments, but it is expected to face pressure to address the issues raised by the coach. The PCB has been under fire for its handling of the team, and Kirsten's criticism could further erode its credibility.As Pakistan cricket grapples with its current crisis, Kirsten's words serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the team. The lack of unity and the deficiencies in fitness and skill levels must be addressed if Pakistan is to regain its former glory on the international stage.

Pakistan cricket is set to undergo a major overhaul following a string of disappointing performances in recent international tournaments. The team's poor showing in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup has raised serious questions about the leadership of Babar Azam and the overall culture within the team.The latest criticism comes from former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who has revealed an incident involving several players sleeping in the dressing room during a Test match. Hafeez expressed his shock and disappointment at the lack of professionalism and focus among the players."If a player is sleeping in a dressing room and we are playing Test cricket. If 4-5 players are sleeping in the dressing room, should I allow that as a selector?" Hafeez said in an online interaction with Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan.Hafeez's comments echo those of coach Gary Kirsten, who previously stated that there was a lack of unity within the Pakistan team. These revelations have raised concerns about the team's preparation, motivation, and overall approach to the game.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has acknowledged the need for change and has announced plans for a major restructuring of the team. This includes the appointment of a new selection committee and a review of the coaching staff.The PCB is also considering implementing stricter disciplinary measures to ensure that players maintain a high level of professionalism and commitment. The board is determined to create a winning culture within the team and restore Pakistan's status as a cricketing powerhouse.

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.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to overhaul its seven-member selection committee following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The board will conduct a thorough review to identify areas of improvement, with streamlining the selection process a top priority.Sources within ESPNcricinfo indicate that the number of selectors will be reduced, and the PCB is considering reinstating the position of a chief selector. The current committee, unveiled less than three months ago, has operated without an official head, with each member holding an equal vote.Wahab Riaz, who previously served as chair, is unlikely to regain that role if it is recreated. There is growing frustration within the PCB, including from Riaz himself, over the perception that he wields undue influence as the de facto head of the committee. His departure from the committee altogether remains a possibility.The review will also consider the future of Babar Azam as captain. Despite the emotional fallout from Pakistan's World Cup exit, the PCB is not expected to make an immediate decision. Pakistan's next white-ball match is not scheduled until November.Head coach Gary Kirsten's feedback will be crucial in the review process. Kirsten, appointed in April after an extensive search, has expressed concerns about the lack of unity within the team. His tour report to the PCB could shape the direction of future changes.If no public announcements are made by the time players' central contracts expire on June 30, revisions to the contracts could indicate further changes to the national setup. Players can be moved up or down in categories or even dropped altogether based on their performances. Currently, Babar, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are in the highest category.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with captain Babar Azam and his teammates facing intense criticism. The situation escalated when a video emerged of pacer Haris Rauf engaging in an altercation with a fan.In response, several of Rauf's teammates took to social media to express their support. However, this move drew the ire of former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad, who accused the players of trying to deflect blame.Shehzad, who has been vocal in his criticism of the team's performance, argued that the players should apologize to fans rather than sharing posts in support of Rauf. He also urged them to cancel their overseas holidays and return home."While we fully condemn what happened to Haris Rauf, it is also important that the posts put up by the players in support of Haris should be taken away from the fans due to his poor performance in the World Cup. It should have been as an apology," Shehzad wrote on social media.Shehzad believes that the players are attempting to change the narrative by sharing such posts. He emphasized the need for accountability, as the team has failed to win any major trophies in the past five years."It would be good if these players would apologize to the nation, if these players would be ashamed and if these players would return to Pakistan instead of spending holidays in America, England or Dubai. These posts by the players should not change the narrative and the fans should get answers for the poor performances of the players," Shehzad added."Accountability is very important now. The same group of players have not won anything for our country in the last five years and they have kept prioritizing personal milestones rather than the collective success of Pakistan," he concluded.

Pakistan's dismal performance at the ongoing T20 World Cup has sparked a storm of criticism, with former wicketkeeper Atiq-uz-Zaman alleging rampant indiscipline within the team.Atiq, in a viral video, accused the team of excessive entourage and a lack of focus. He claimed that the traveling party included 17 officials and 17 players, with 60 rooms booked for their accommodation."You have gone there to play cricket or to holiday?" Atiq questioned.He also criticized the presence of families accompanying players during the tournament. "Why do you allow families in big events? They go out in the evening and focus shifts from cricket," he said.Atiq further alleged that players were not acting responsibly despite being well-paid by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "Such a culture has been created in Pakistan cricket that nobody knows what is discipline," he said.The former stumper's revelations have opened a can of worms, exposing the alleged groupism and administrative failures within the PCB. The team's early exit from the World Cup has led to scathing criticism and calls for accountability.Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup winners, finished third in Group A, behind India and USA. The top two teams from each group progressed to the 'Super 8s'.

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan cricket, accusing chief selector Wahab Riaz of bias and favoritism. Riaz, a former Pakistan pacer, was appointed to the role in November 2022, coinciding with the return of veteran pacer Mohammad Amir to the national squad.Amir, who played alongside Riaz, was part of Pakistan's squad for the ongoing T20 World Cup but failed to impress, leading to widespread criticism of the team's performance and selection decisions. Sehwag believes that Riaz's personal connection with Amir has influenced his selection."Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir, these are two names who criticized Pakistan team on the same TV channel, giving their comments...Today, one of them is a selector (Riaz) and one is in the playing eleven (Amir)," Sehwag said on a Cricbuzz show."So the same persons who were criticizing, if today they have power, became the selector, what have they done first up? 'Mohammad Amir was with me, let's select him'. It's like if Ajit Agarkar is chairman (of BCCI selection committee) today, he will say 'come Viru, come Zak (Zahir Khan)', I will facilitate your comeback'," he added.Sehwag urged Pakistan selectors to prioritize the future of the team rather than personal connections. "You have become a selector, you have to look at the future. You have a job, make the right use of it, don't do favours. That hard step selectors will have to take," he said.Pakistan's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup has raised questions about the team's fitness and selection policies. Sehwag's comments have added fuel to the fire, highlighting the need for transparency and objectivity in the selection process.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup has drawn sharp criticism from former PCB chairman and cricketer Ramiz Raja. Raja has identified several glaring deficiencies that contributed to the team's failure to advance beyond the group stage.One of the most glaring issues, according to Raja, was the lack of consistency in selection. The team experimented with different opening combinations, leaving out promising young players like Saim Ayub. This indecisiveness created uncertainty and disrupted the team's rhythm.Compounding the selection woes was the recall of retired players like Mohammed Amir. Raja questioned the logic behind this move, suggesting that it was a sign of desperation.Raja also pointed to the frequent changes in the PCB leadership and captaincy as contributing factors to the team's struggles. He believes that these disruptions have created instability and hindered the development of a cohesive unit.During Pakistan's tenure under Raja's chairmanship, the team reached the semi-finals and final of consecutive T20 World Cups. Raja's criticism, therefore, carries significant weight.Raja's analysis extends beyond selection and leadership issues. He also criticized the team's game awareness and mentality. He highlighted the decision to let left-hander Fakhar Zaman face left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar in the Super Over against USA as an example of poor decision-making.Raja believes that Pakistan's players need to improve their understanding of the game and develop a winning mindset. He emphasized the importance of clear thinking and strategic decision-making in high-pressure situations.Despite wins over Canada and Ireland, Pakistan's early defeats to USA and India proved insurmountable. The team's failure to qualify for the Super 8 stage has also put their qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup in jeopardy.Raja's criticism serves as a wake-up call for the Pakistan Cricket Board and the team. It is clear that significant changes are needed to address the team's shortcomings and restore their status as a competitive force in international cricket.

Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider resting senior players for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in August. Captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan, and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi are among those who may be given a break.Sources within the PCB indicate that Test captain Shan Masood and new red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie are in discussions to finalize plans for the Bangladesh series. The board is also in touch with white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten to coordinate preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy next year.One proposal under consideration is to field a team of uncapped or less experienced players for the Bangladesh Tests. This would allow the senior players to rest and recover ahead of a busy schedule that includes tours of Australia, South Africa, and England.The PCB is also seeking to establish a workload management system for players, balancing their availability for the national team with their commitments to franchise-based leagues.Meanwhile, the board is awaiting a report from Kirsten on the team culture, player behavior, and skill levels. This report will inform decisions on potential changes to the ODI and T20 squads.The PCB is also considering reducing the number of national selectors and reverting to the previous selection process.