ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan cricket team head coach Gary Kirsten has opened up about the challenges he faced during his brief tenure with the national side, citing “unusually high external interference and pressure” as major hurdles.
In an interview, Kirsten said that constant noise and pressure from outside made it difficult for him to work effectively with the team. “When there is continuous interference, setting a clear strategy and implementing it with the players becomes a real challenge,” he said.
He added that immediate and harsh reactions to poor team performance, including disciplinary actions, often disrupt the overall environment and create instability. Kirsten criticized the tendency to limit a coach’s role or replace them if results do not meet expectations, calling such approaches counterproductive.
“Once a coach is entrusted with responsibility, they should be given the freedom to work according to their strategy,” he emphasized.
Despite the challenges, Kirsten praised the professionalism and talent of Pakistani players. “Working with the team was a positive experience. Pakistani cricketers, like players everywhere, are skilled and professional, and I enjoyed my time with them,” he noted.
He also highlighted how cricket serves as a unifying language, bridging cultural and language differences and helping players communicate more effectively on the field.
Major setback: Australian fast bowler withdraws from IPL
Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League due to injury.
Ellis suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury during a domestic one-day cup final on March 11, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament.
His franchise, Chennai Super Kings, confirmed in a statement that the pacer is expected to take at least three months to fully recover.
The 31-year-old, who captains Tasmania, sustained the injury during the final against New South Wales. Despite the setback, he managed to bowl five overs, conceding 26 runs and picking up two wickets. However, his team went on to lose the match by four wickets.
Ellis had been retained by Chennai Super Kings for $215,000 ahead of the tournament. His absence is expected to be a setback for the franchise as they prepare for the new IPL season.
