‘Cricket bhi online hi khel lo’: Fans lash out at Pakistan's white-ball coach Gary Kirsten after virtual call with team

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced former South Africa batter Gary Kirsten as head coach of the white-ball ahead of the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in the USA and West Indies in June. The head coach interacted virtually with the players of the senior men’s national squad. Currently, Kirsten is in India on Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 duty. Notably, he is also the batting coach of 2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans (GT). After his virtual meeting, he faced criticism from many fans of the side. Many of them slammed Pakistan management and the new coach. Kirsten will begin coaching the Pakistan team right after he finishes his role in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

The PCB shared a post on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) that reads.

“Pakistan white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten connects with players in virtual meet-up. Let the journey begin.”

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Fans' reactions on PCB's post

After the post, Pakistan cricket fans left fuming when Kirsten decided to join a meeting with the players remotely. Fans swarmed into the comment section to criticise the manner of the meeting.

One fan wrote, "Cricket bhi online hi khel lo”.

Another said, “How do players learn from a coach through a laptop screen?”

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One fan joked, “he will not be available for the Ireland series. The online coach saga continues.”

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Pakistan set to play 3 T20Is against Ireland and 4 vs England

Notably, Pakistan will cross swords with Ireland in a three-match T20I series, starting on May 10. Thereafter, the side will face England in a four-match series, which will begin on May 22. Pakistan team are set to begin their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 against the USA on June 6. The marquee Pakistan vs India clash is on June 9.

According to the PTI report, former Pakistan Test all-rounder and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood will be the head coach of the team on the tour of Ireland and England. However, if GT don’t reach the IPL playoffs then Kirsten would be available from the start of the T20 series against England. 

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