Gary Kirsten, Pakistan’s white-ball coach, has submitted a detailed assessment report to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the team’s disappointing outing at the T20 World Cup 2024, sources disclosed to Geo News on Wednesday.
The confidential report, addressed to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, reportedly scrutinizes various facets of the team’s performance, including player fitness, discipline, and game strategy. Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament, failing to progress beyond the group stage, has sparked widespread criticism and introspection within cricketing circles.
Sources indicate that Kirsten’s evaluation highlights significant concerns regarding the team’s fitness levels and game awareness, stressing the need for substantial improvements in these areas. The report follows Pakistan’s unexpected defeats against United States and arch-rivals India, which marred their campaign despite victories over Canada and Ireland.
In response to public outcry and media scrutiny, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi had earlier announced plans for a comprehensive review, colloquially termed a “major surgery” in the squad. However, the board opted to await Kirsten’s assessment, alongside inputs from senior manager Wahab Riaz, before making any definitive decisions about the team’s future.
“The PCB chief will consult with other board officials and former cricketers after reviewing the report, in order to chart a way forward,” sources added.
Kirsten’s observations during discussions with the team post-elimination underscored deficiencies in skill execution and tactical acumen, lamenting, “Despite ample experience, strategic lapses and inconsistent shot selection plagued our performances.”
Acknowledging the backlash, wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan voiced candid disappointment, admitting, “The criticism is warranted. Our performance did not meet expectations, and those unwilling to face critique cannot aspire to excel.”
India clinched the T20 World Cup title for the second time, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados, further intensifying scrutiny on Pakistan’s underwhelming campaign. With preparations underway for the next edition in 2026, hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan remains focused on revitalizing their cricketing approach, bolstered by lessons learned from this chastening experience.
For now, all eyes remain on the PCB’s deliberations, poised to define the trajectory of Pakistan cricket in the wake of this sobering setback.
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