Aoba Tanaka 
Gary Kirsten, former South African star batter and current coach of the Pakistan cricket team, found himself in the spotlight on Monday over an alleged comment about the lack of unity within the team. Kirsten, who famously led India to World Cup victory in 2011, was appointed as Pakistan’s coach just weeks before the T20 World Cup 2024. However, Pakistan’s performance in the tournament has been disappointing, with the 2022 runners-up failing to advance past the group stage.
Pakistan’s campaign began with a loss to debutants USA, followed by a defeat to archrivals India. Despite wins against Canada and Ireland, these results were insufficient to secure a spot in the ‘Super 8’ stage. The team’s early exit has been a major letdown for fans and pundits alike.
A day after Pakistan’s final group stage match against Ireland on Sunday, a remark attributed to Kirsten went viral, adding fuel to the fire. The controversy deepened when former Pakistan President Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi commented on the matter. Kirsten was quoted by senior journalist Ihtisham Ul Haq as saying, “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.”
Alvi responded to the quote by reposting it and adding his own thoughts: “For us in Pakistan, there is an easy solution to this serious allegation. This is an attack on the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan. We have information from credible sources (cipher) that cannot be revealed that he is working under the direct influence of foreign interests against our ideology. The patron of the PCB has ordered immediate action that includes registration of FIRs in all the cricket-playing centers of Pakistan and his name is put on the ECL. For Gary! Don’t worry, the above is just a pun. Do your best to salvage our beleaguered cricket team.”
The reaction from Alvi highlights the sensitivity surrounding the team’s performance and the broader implications for national pride. Kirsten’s alleged comments, whether made in earnest or misquoted, have struck a nerve at a time when the team and its supporters are grappling with disappointment.
As the dust settles, the focus will likely shift back to the drawing board for Pakistan cricket. Kirsten, despite the controversy, remains a respected figure in the cricketing world, and his efforts to improve the team will continue. His task now includes not only addressing on-field issues but also managing the morale and unity of a team under intense scrutiny.
#cricket #news #pakistan #coach #alvi #usa #cricketnews #sportznews #newssportz #unity
