Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten has warned the team’s senior players after their poor performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. He also believes senior players need to step up their game as well. However, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 run didn’t go as per the plan after losing to the USA and India. Moreover, Pakistan’s batting unit failed to do well.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the match against Canada on Tuesday, Kirsten said, “These guys are all international players and they’re aware that when they’re not performing at their best that there’s going to be pressure put on them. That’s understandable, but a lot of these guys have played a lot of T20 cricket around the world over many, many years and it’s really up to them to decide how they’re going to take their games forward.”
However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s performances against the USA and India, respectively, came under the scanner as their lack of intent to score quickly cost Pakistan. Babar scored 44 off 43 deliveries against the USA, while Rizwan perished for 31 off 44 balls against India as well.
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Kirsten further added: “I think for me the most important thing for every international player is that you continue growing and developing as a player, and understanding what the demands of international competition are. The game is changing pretty much every year. So, if you’re not up to it and you’re not improving, you’re going to get found out somewhere.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain and PCB chief Ramiz Raja said that the side needs to start rebuilding after the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup following their defeat to India on Sunday, June 9.
Talking to Cricbuzz after the India defeat, Ramiz Raja said, “You need to start rebuilding after the World Cup. You’ve got to pick those players who can handle pressure and those who have clarity. And I think not all of them, but I just feel that there is no need to bring out players from their retirements. By asking all these retirees to come back, you are actually negating the good work that’s been done at the first class or the age group levels. It gives an impression as if there is no new talent that can come and help Pakistan cricket. You are unretiring players to help Pakistan cricket. That is not done. It’s a backward move.”
