'There's no unity': Coach Gary Kirsten rips into Pakistan team after T20 WC exit

Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten has slammed the culture within the senor men's cricket team after it crashed out of the ongoing T20 World Cup. Kirsten said there was no unity within the team, something he had never seen before in his coaching career.

Pakistan lost against USA and arch-rivals India to bow out of the tournament from the group stage when it looked certain that the 2022 finalists would at least make it to the Super 8.

"There’s no unity in Pakistan’s team. They call it a team, but it isn’t a team. They aren’t supporting each other; everyone is separated, left and right. I’ve worked with many teams, but I’ve never seen such a situation,"Pakistani media reports quoted Kirsten as saying.

According to sources cited by Geosuper.tv, Kirsten was also dissatisfied with the fitness levels of the players andconveyed his feelings at one of thesoul-searching meetings. The South African added that the team's skill level wassignificantly lower compared to other teams worldwide.

Kirsten, one of the most sought-after coaches in the world, was appointed the Pakistan head coach in the lead-up to the marquee tournament. He previously led India to a 50-over World Cup title, way back in 2011.

Pakistan players on holiday

While Kirsten allegedly went ballistic regarding the team culture, as many as five players, including skipper Babar Azam reportedly jetted off to London for a holiday.

The likes of Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan and Azam Khan will also be in England's capital for the next few days while the rest of the squad and backroom staff return to Pakistan.

A report in the Pakistani newspaperThe Express Tribuneclaimed that the players listed above intend to visit London to spend time with friends and family. Meanwhile, some are also contemplating participating in the local leagues in the UK.

Pakistan are scheduled to play a two-match home Test series against Bangladesh in August followed by England who come visiting for a three-match Test series in October.

(With inputs from agencies)