'Don't waste your time in Pakistan Gary, come back to India': Pak coach told by Harbhajan Singh

Former India spinner and World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh has sent a heartfelt message to his good friend Gary Kirsten, urging him to leave his role as the head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team and consider returning to India. Harbhajan's strongly-worded statement emphasized that Kirsten would be better off not "wasting time" with Pakistan cricket and hinted at the prospect of Kirsten rejoining the Indian cricket team.

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Harbhajan Singh's heartfelt request to Gary Kirsten

Harbhajan Singh's comments followed reports in the Pakistan media that Gary Kirsten had expressed frustration over the "lack of unity" within the Pakistan team. Kirsten reportedly found it challenging to work in an environment where multiple factions hindered team cohesion. Kirsten joined the Pakistan team as their head coach before the T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan got eliminated from the competition after the first round with losses against the United States and India. 

In his message, Harbhajan Singh highlighted Gary Kirsten's invaluable contributions to Indian cricket, particularly his role in coaching the Indian team to victory in the 2011 World Cup. He described Kirsten as a rare gem and a great coach, mentor, and honest individual who was dearly loved by everyone in the 2011 World Cup-winning squad.

"Don’t waste ur time there Gary .. Come back to Coach Team INDIA .. Gary Kirsten One of the rare gem.. A Great Coach, Mentor, Honest nd very dear friend to all in our 2011 Team .. our winning coach of 2011 world cup. Special man Gary," Harbhajan wrote in his statement.

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According to recent rumors, there are internal conflicts within the Pakistan cricket team. Different groups are purportedly led by Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi's relationship has become tense, apparently because Babar was named captain again after Shaheen temporarily took over after Pakistan's poor performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. 

Even though Shaheen Afridi had stood by Babar Azam in a similar circumstance following the ODI World Cup in India the previous year, Shaheen is reportedly furious with Babar for not standing by him when the PCB stripped him of the captaincy.