NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 ended in disaster with the team being eliminated in the group stage by the USA and India. In the aftermath, Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad has backed the harsh criticism made by head coach Gary Kirsten.
According to earlier reports from Pakistan, Kirsten expressed dissatisfaction over the team’s dismal performance and internal discord in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies.
T20 World Cup 2024: Points Table | Schedule
He criticised the lack of unity among players, saying, “There is no unity in the Pakistan team. They call it a team but it is not a team. The players do not support each other. Everyone is divided left and right. I have worked with many teams and I have never seen a situation like this.”
Reacting to Kirsten’s comments, Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad demanded accountability and strict action against the players.
Shehzad took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to air his displeasure and asserted that if Kirsten’s comments are true, then the players responsible should be severely punished. “If Gary Kirsten’s team talk is true, it is not surprising at all. We have been saying this throughout the World Cup. It is time to hold them accountable. This team is plagued with collective behaviour and policing is the only option. The players involved should be punished and set an example for the next generation of cricketers. PCB Chairman should take notice,” Shehzad wrote.
The Geosuper.tv 4 report also highlighted Kirsten’s dissatisfaction with the players’ fitness and technical level, which he said were significantly below international standards.
Following the early elimination, Pakistan captain Babar Azam, along with Mohammed Amir, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan and Azam Khan, opted to spend time in London before returning to Pakistan, a decision that did not go down well with fans and cricket analysts who felt the players should reflect on their performance and focus on improving.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now facing immense pressure to address these issues and implement reforms. Fans and former players are calling for a thorough investigation and necessary changes to restore the team’s credibility and performance on the international stage. As the fallout from Pakistan’s World Cup debacle continues, it remains to be seen how the PCB will respond to growing calls for player accountability and structural reforms within the team.
According to earlier reports from Pakistan, Kirsten expressed dissatisfaction over the team’s dismal performance and internal discord in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies.
T20 World Cup 2024: Points Table | Schedule
He criticised the lack of unity among players, saying, “There is no unity in the Pakistan team. They call it a team but it is not a team. The players do not support each other. Everyone is divided left and right. I have worked with many teams and I have never seen a situation like this.”
Reacting to Kirsten’s comments, Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad demanded accountability and strict action against the players.
Shehzad took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to air his displeasure and asserted that if Kirsten’s comments are true, then the players responsible should be severely punished. “If Gary Kirsten’s team talk is true, it is not surprising at all. We have been saying this throughout the World Cup. It is time to hold them accountable. This team is plagued with collective behaviour and policing is the only option. The players involved should be punished and set an example for the next generation of cricketers. PCB Chairman should take notice,” Shehzad wrote.
The Geosuper.tv 4 report also highlighted Kirsten’s dissatisfaction with the players’ fitness and technical level, which he said were significantly below international standards.
Following the early elimination, Pakistan captain Babar Azam, along with Mohammed Amir, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan and Azam Khan, opted to spend time in London before returning to Pakistan, a decision that did not go down well with fans and cricket analysts who felt the players should reflect on their performance and focus on improving.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now facing immense pressure to address these issues and implement reforms. Fans and former players are calling for a thorough investigation and necessary changes to restore the team’s credibility and performance on the international stage. As the fallout from Pakistan’s World Cup debacle continues, it remains to be seen how the PCB will respond to growing calls for player accountability and structural reforms within the team.
