[EXCLUSIVE] “You’ve got to give Gary Kirsten some time”: Alan Wilkins

[FearlessRoar]

Welsh cricket commentator and former Gloucestershire and Glamorgan left-arm seamer Alan Wilkins, who electrified the PSL with his vibrant commentary during its inaugural years, engaged in an exclusive interview with Saj Sadiq.

Beyond his PSL stint, Wilkins boasts extensive experience in covering cricket and other sports worldwide. In their discussion, Wilkins and Saj delve into the current challenges facing Pakistan cricket, exploring what Gary Kirsten's expertise brings to the table and how his involvement may shape the future of Pakistan cricket. They also share their insights on the ongoing comparison between the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL), analyzing the leagues' quality, viewership, and impact on their respective domestic cricket setups.

Some of the topics discussed in this interview include:

Why Wilkins missed PSL 9: The renowned commentator shares the reason behind his absence from the recent Pakistan Super League season.

Exploring Pakistan: Discusses his experiences and impressions of Pakistan, a country he has grown fond of through his cricketing journey.

ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and poor pitches: Shares his thoughts on the recent T20 World Cup and the issues surrounding pitch quality.

IPL vs PSL: Weighs in on the ongoing debate between the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League, comparing their quality, viewership, and impact on domestic cricket.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup struggles: The commentator analyzes what went wrong for Pakistan in the recent T20 World Cup.

T20 leagues: Shares his thoughts on the proliferation of T20 leagues and their impact on the sport.

Gary Kirsten's involvement: Discusses the appointment of Gary Kirsten as Pakistan's white-ball head coach and its potential impact on Pakistan cricket's future.

Watch full interview here:

 

[FearlessRoar]

He is absolutely right; the quality of cricket depends on the quality of pitches, and now the ICC should think about avoiding drop-in pitches altogether.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Alan Wilkins is right not only does Gary needs some time but also some extra ordinary liberty and power at work as Pep Guardialo enjoys at Manchester City.

 

[Savak]

According to a very experienced well connected Sports Journalist, Allan Wilkins behind the scenes off the record when queried why he did not comment in PSL 8 and 9, he blamed the ex chairman of the PCB Ramiz Raja for excessive interference in what the commentators were allowed and not allowed to say and had a tiff with him on the matter which hurt his impression of the PCB and Pakistan.

Will he be interested in commenting in the PSL based on his past experiences and if Ramiz is included in the commentary panel?

 

[shaz619]

When Kirsten’s done, he would have aged like Mourinho did after his stint with United

 

[BouncerGuy]

Gary has just joined the team. If PCB does not give him the full 2 years of his contract and with full authority, then all this makes no sense. Gary is an intelligent guy and he won't take any jokes with this team and should not.

Wilkins' comments about pitch also make a lot of sense. This drop-in pitch experiment is not doing any wonders so far.

 

[gazza619]

Oh Gary Kirsten. The overated Gary Kirsten.

 

[Asad T]

Oh Gary Kirsten. The overated Gary Kirsten.

What's overrated about him? Under him, South Africa won the Champions Trophy in 1998, and India won the WC in 2011

 

[gazza619]

What's overrated about him? Under him, South Africa won the Champions Trophy in 1998, and India won the WC in 2011

Cant recall the 1998 champions trophy. Certainly India’s win credit goes to Dhoni and Gambhir.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Cant recall the 1998 champions trophy. Certainly India’s win credit goes to Dhoni and Gambhir.

You should recall it because that was the only ICC event that South Africa won. Back then, it was called knockout cup.

 

[gazza619]

You should recall it because that was the only ICC event that South Africa won. Back then, it was called knockout cup.

Ok but that was 26 years ago.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Alan wilkins was spot on in his analysis.

The ICC was poor with its decision making on drop in pitches and in my opinion playing in the US for the sake of it is a waste of time.

Its good to get a neutral s perspective on Pakistan cricket, the PSL and Gary.

It is important that both Gillespie and Kirsten are given time and are able to implement what they want in order for the team to be successful.

We need to be more flexible in our approach and less rigid.

 

[Saj]

Will Gary Kirsten last 2 years at the PCB? I seriously doubt it.

I think if the players attitude doesn't improve, he'll walk away.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Gary has a tough road ahead. I think by now, he must have seen the system PCB is running an he would be cursing himself to why he chose to be the coach of this side. No consistency here.

I hope Gary gets full 2 years with all the freedom he needs in his decisions.