New Delhi,Updated: 17 June 2024 20:21 IST
Former India off-spinner and World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh has sent a message to his close friend Gary Kirsten, urging him to step down as head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. In a stern statement, Harbhajan urged Kirsten to “not waste his time in Pakistan cricket.” The off-spinner even said he is looking forward to seeing Kirsten return to India and play for the senior national team.
According to Pakistani media reports, Harbhajan Singh’s comments came after Gary Kirsten slammed the Pakistan team for a “lack of cohesion”. Kirsten was quoted as saying it was difficult to work in a team environment with multiple factions.
“Gary, don’t waste your time there. Please come back as coach of the Indian team. Gary Kirsten is one of those rare gems. A great coach, mentor and friend to the entire 1202 team. 2011 World Cup winning coach. A special person, Gary @Gary_Kisten,” Harbhajan Singh said in a post by X.
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Pakistan were eliminated early in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024. This came as former South African opener Gary Kirsten was called up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ahead of the premier T20 event, marking his first stint with Babar Azam and the team.
Notably, Gary Kirsten led India to victory in the World Cup in 2011. The South African served with MS Dhoni’s team from 2008 to 2011 and was present on that historic night in Mumbai when MS Dhoni’s team ended their 28-year wait for victory.