Aakash Chopra has remarked that Gary Kirsten’s allegedly leaked dressing comments following Pakistan’s 2024 T20 World Cup elimination have given fuel to the flames. The freshly hired limited-overs head coach apparently questioned the team’s togetherness following their poor season.
Pakistan were ousted from the present T20 World Cup before the Super Eights, losing to the United States of America (USA) and India in Group A. Several former cricketers have suggested that the Men in Green were a divisive group.
In a video posted on his YouTube account, Aakash Chopra discussed some of Pakistan cricket’s recent scandals. Concerning Kirsten’s alleged words, he said:
“Allegedly Gary Kirsten has said the Pakistan team is not a team at all, that they are looking to pull each others’ legs, there are groups created and everyone is divided, they play together but don’t do anything like playing together, the five fingers don’t combine to make a fist. It’s been said that he said that in the dressing room and that thing has come out.”
“Gary Kirsten has probably said that he didn’t say anything like that but Pakistan cricket is like a strainer. Whatever you put, it leaks from the other end. Since it’s about Pakistan cricket and a bad campaign, you are reminded of one thing – success has many fathers and failure is an orphan. It’s worked like ghee on fire.”
Aakash Chopra
According to Chopra, Harbhajan Singh has even questioned Kirsten why he is stranded in Pakistan and suggested that he return as India’s head coach. However, he added lightheartedly that the post may not be available because Gautam Gambhir has already been interviewed.
“We don’t need personal comments” – Aakash Chopra on fan’s supposed abusive behavior with Haris Rauf
Aakash Chopra also commented on a social media video of Haris Rauf and an allegedly aggressive admirer.”’
“I have seen the clip. I am not sure how much edited or how true it is. I will only say that a player tries to give his best and even if he is unable to do well, whether it’s Haris Rauf or Virat Kohli or Steve Smith, we don’t need personal comments. Don’t target their family.”
Aakash Chopra
The reputable pundit also stated that supporters should be respectful when criticizing players.
“It’s expected that you will be well-mannered enough that you won’t do it in front of the player. You did it digitally as well, that’s also not good. I request you with folded hands that everyone’s families should be spared. If you are heartbroken because you have invested in the team or the player, you can criticize but use the language that you can use with your family.”
Aakash Chopra
Several Pakistani cricketers have spoken out in favor of Haris Rauf. While accepting that fans have the right to criticize players’ performances, they have advised them not to take it personally.
