"Came in and started complaining already" - Atiq-Uz-Zaman questions Gary Kirsten for submitting report to PCB after T20 World Cup 2024
Former Pakistan keeper-batter Atiq-uz-Zaman has called white-ball coach Gary Kirsten out for complaining to the board instead of solving problems by himself within the men's team. However, Atiq said he doesn't see the internal issues getting sorted out quickly.
The former South African batter submitted a detailed report of the shortcomings and problems that led to Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. As per reports, the 56-year-old lashed out at the players for their lack of unity throughout the campaign.
Speaking to a local channel, Atiq questioned Kirsten for addressing his grievances right from the outset instead of taking it upon himself to solve them. As quoted by Cricket Pakistan.pk, the 48-year-old stated:
"Gary Kirsten came in and started complaining already. If you had the leadership skills, why are you complaining to the board about it? You should have resolved it while you were there. So, fingers crossed, I hope they do well, but I don't see things getting fixed quickly."
The internal issues relate to pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, who reportedly misbehaved with batting coach Mohammed Yousuf over advice. It also emerged that PCB is likely to take stringent action against the left-arm speedster.
Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie to be part of the selection panel moving forward
The former South African opener and Pakistan's Test coach Jason Gillespie have been included by the PCB as part of the selection panel moving forward. The apex body began the 'surgery' by sacking Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the panel.
With the players' fitness standards becoming a significant issue, the PCB announced that fitness tests will be conducted every three months. While the board hasn't cut the players' salaries, the central contracts will be revisited every 12 months.
Pakistan's next assignment is the two-Test series at home against Bangladesh, which begins on August 18. While Shan Masood is likely to retain his Test captaincy, Babar Azam's role remains under a cloud after another failed assignment.