Gary Kirsten says outside interference made Pakistan coaching stint difficult

Former Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten has said his brief stint with the national side was made significantly more difficult by what he described as unusual outside interference and external pressure, 24NewsHD TV reported on Saturday.

In an interview with a media outlet, Kirsten said a coach found it difficult to operate effectively when there was constant noise and pressure from outside the dressing room, adding that such an environment made it challenging to establish a clear strategy with players and ensure its implementation.

He said the atmosphere around the team often became unstable when poor performances triggered immediate and harsh reactions, including disciplinary measures, which in turn affected the overall environment.

According to Kirsten, restricting or replacing a coach when a team fails to meet expectations may appear to be the easiest response, but such an approach rarely proves beneficial in the long run.

“If a coach is entrusted with responsibility, he should be given full freedom to work according to his strategy,” he said.

Despite his criticism of the working environment, Kirsten praised Pakistani players for their professionalism and talent, describing his experience of working with the team as a positive one.

He said Pakistani cricketers, like players around the world, were talented and professional, and added that working with them had been an enjoyable experience.

Kirsten also said that while there had been a language barrier at times, cricket itself served as a common language that helped bridge communication gaps and improve understanding on the field.

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