Gary Kirsten Delivers Harsh Champions Trophy Farewell Message: 'They've Entered the Political Arena of Pakistani Cricket'

Kirsten, the former coach of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning Indian team, was appointed as the head coach of Pakistan's white-ball team earlier this year. Unfortunately, his tenure got off to a rocky start during the T20 World Cup. Pakistan suffered a disappointing group-stage exit after losing matches against USA - a non-Test playing nation, and their arch-rivals India, during the USA leg of the tournament. This unexpected outcome has put pressure on Kirsten to turn things around for the team.

The Pakistan team has now shifted its focus to the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in February of next year. As the host nation, Pakistan will also have an added advantage in the mega ICC event to defend its title, which it won in 2017.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali warned Kirsten that he would be fired by PCB after the Champions Trophy and said it would be a big achievement for Babar Azam and Co if they managed to qualify for the semifinals.

"Congratulations to Gary Kirsten. He will be at the helm of the team till the Champions Trophy. However, he will be fired after the Champions Trophy. I am saying this now that it will be tata, bye bye for him. It will be a big achievement for Pakistan to make it to the top four. They have also stepped into the politics of Pakistani cricket. They won't be successful," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, Kirsten pledged to 'bring pride back' into Pakistan cricket during a high-level camp organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday.

"I think we all agree we want the Pakistan team to be as successful as it possibly can be across all the formats. And we spend today just going through the various things that can help us and help the team be the best version of itself. So I think, from the team and the players in terms of their levels of professionalism, was one thing that we spoke about that was really important. And I think the commitments around making sure that they are. And present themselves as best they can for the for the nation, and to bring pride back into Pakistan cricket," Kirsten said.