Gary Kirsten interacts virtually with players from the Pakistan cricket team.©X (old Twitter)
Former South African player and decorated coach Gary Kirsten was recently appointed as the head coach of Pakistan's white-ball team. The coach interacted with the senior men's national team players, but it was a virtual meeting as Kirsten is currently in India on Indian Premier League assignments. He is the batting coach for Gujarat Titans in this marquee event. The idea of Kirsten coaching Pakistan players virtually did not sit well with many of the team's fans. As a result, many of them lashed out at the management and the new coach.
Here is the video of the interaction –
Pakistan white ball head coach Gary Kirsten interacts with players during a virtual meet-and-greet.Let's start the journey #backtheboysingreen pic.twitter.com/rjpbxPkyhZ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 4, 2024
“How will the players learn from their coaches through a laptop screen?” a fan wrote. “Just like Mickey Orser, he too will be coaching online. PCB, is this cricket or are you kidding?” wrote another fan.
Another comment on the video read: “He won't be available for the Ireland series. Coach's story continues online.”
Kirsten will not be able to join the Pakistan team as she is currently in India for IPL 2024, but the country's former Test all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will be with the team on this month's tour of Ireland and England until the South African coach takes over the reins for Pakistan. is scheduled to lead. PTI said in a report.
PCB officials said Kirsten would be available from the start of the T20 series against England if Gujarat Titans fail to qualify for the IPL playoffs, the article added.
Until Kirsten joins, Red Ball head coach Jason Gillispie will serve as head coach, having been named assistant coach for the South African national team.
The board also appointed former Test batsman Muhammad Yousuf as the team's batting coach and Syed Ajmal as the spin bowling coach.
(With PTI input)
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