The Pakistan cricket team’s early exit from the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup has ignited considerable turmoil, with numerous reports and statements circulating within the cricket fraternity. The most recent controversy revolves around alleged remarks by head coach Gary Kirsten regarding a lack of cohesion within the team.

Appointed recently, Kirsten appears disheartened by the team’s overall performance, which culminated in a disappointing end to their campaign in the 20-team tournament.

Former Pakistani batter Ahmed Shehzad has added his voice to the conversation, expressing agreement with the alleged comments made by Kirsten about Babar Azam and the squad. Shehzad took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his views, asserting that the Pakistani dressing room is rife with factionalism and that the only solution is a stringent crackdown.

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“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 a 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,” Ahmed Shehzad wrote.

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…

— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) June 17, 2024

Shehzad, who was part of the national setup for about a decade across formats, has himself been involved in dressing room conflicts. He emphasized that he and others have long called for a comprehensive overhaul of the Pakistani team structure. He believes this is the only way to ensure genuine accountability within a team currently fragmented by various factions.

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Shehzad’s statements underscore a pressing need for structural changes within the Pakistan cricket team, advocating for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take decisive action to address these internal issues and set a precedent for future cricketers.