NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s ICC Men's
T20 World Cup 2024
campaign ended in disaster as the team bowed out in the group stage, losing to both the USA and India. The aftermath has been turbulent, with Pakistani cricketer Ahmad Shahzad supporting head coach
Gary Kirsten
's severe criticisms.
According to earlier reports from Pakistan, Kirsten expressed his frustration over the team's dismal performance and internal disunity during the ongoing T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies.
T20 World Cup 2024: Points Table | Schedule
He criticized the lack of cohesion among players, stating, “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.”
Reacting to Kirsten’s comments, Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad demanded accountability and stringent actions against the players.
Shehzad took to 'X' (formerly Twitter) to air his grievances, insisting that if Kirsten’s remarks are accurate, then the players responsible should face severe consequences. "If Gary Kirsten's team talk is true, it's not shocking at all. We have been saying this throughout the World Cup. It's time for accountability, this team is plagued with grouping and crackdown is the only option. The players involved must be punished and an example should be set for the next generation of cricketers. PCB chairman must take notice," Shehzad penned.
Reports from Geosuper.tv also highlighted Kirsten's dissatisfaction with the players' fitness and skill levels, which he described as significantly below international standards.
In the wake of their early exit, Pakistan’s captain
Babar Azam
, alongside
Mohammad Amir
,
Imad Wasim
, Haris Rauf,
Shadab Khan
, and
Azam Khan
, opted to spend time in London before returning to Pakistan. This decision has not sat well with fans and cricket analysts who feel the players should be reflecting on their performance and focusing on improvement.
The
Pakistan Cricket
Board (PCB) now faces 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 the mounting calls for player accountability and structural changes within the team.
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