Former player predicts Pakistan's failure in Champions Trophy, says PCB will sack Kirsten after mega event

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has predicted a debacle for Babar Azam-led Men in Greenin the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The upcoming ICC event will be held in Pakistan early next year, with the hosts placed in Group A along with arch-rivals India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, whereas the other group comprises South Africa, Australia, England, and Afghanistan. Basit feels it will be a 'huge achievement' for the hosts and defending champions to reach the semifinals.He has also predicted sacking ofwhite-ball coach Gary Kirstensoon after the mega event.

Basit said on his YouTube channel, "Congratulations to Gary Kirsten. He will be at the helm of the team till the Champions Trophy. However, he will be fired after the Champions Trophy. I am saying this now that it will be tata, bye bye for him. It will be a big achievement for Pakistan to make it to the top four. They have also stepped into the politics of Pakistani cricket. They won't be successful."

Kirsten kicked off his two-year stint as Pakistan's white-ball coach in May 2024 with Pakistan's four-match T20I series loss to England, in England and Wales. It was a dress rehearsal for the 20-nation T20 World Cup, held in West Indies and the USA. In the showpiece event, Babar & Co. lost to USA and India before wins over Canada and Ireland. However, it was too late for them as they bowed out in the group stage, not even making it to the Super 8s.

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Pakistan, i.e. the fourth-ranked ICC ODI side, have a herculean task in the upcoming Champions Trophy at home. They have fared poorly in recent ICC events, including the 2023 ODI World Cup, and have also lost many bilateral series across formats in the past one year.

Currently, Pakistan are gearing up for the home Test series versus England, starting Oct 7. They suffered a whitewash in a two-match Test series at home versus Bangladesh last month.