Pakistan cricket is in the midst of a critical overhaul as white-ball coach Gary Kirsten called for professionalism, pride, and unity among players during a press conference on Monday, September 23. Kirsten’s remarks came on the opening day of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) ‘Connection Camp,’ where team management, led by Kirsten and head coach Jason Gillespie, and key players came together to outline the future roadmap for Pakistan cricket.

The camp was held in the wake of one of Pakistan cricket’s darkest periods, including early exits from the ODI and T20 World Cups and a historic home Test series loss to Bangladesh. Internal divisions within the team have come to the surface, with Test captain Shan Masood earlier addressing rumors about the squad's lack of cohesion.

Kirsten did not shy away from highlighting these issues. "It was a fantastic time today to be part of this connection camp. I think the intention around it was to align our purposes for the team. I think we all agree we want the Pakistan team to be as successful as it possibly can be across all formats. And we spent today just going through the various things that can help us and help the team be the best version of itself," Kirsten stated.

He emphasized that the three key elements required for the team’s resurgence are professionalism, pride, and unity. "From the team and the players in terms of their levels of professionalism, that was really important. And I think the commitments around making sure they present themselves as best they can for the nation, and to bring pride back into Pakistan cricket," Kirsten added.

The camp comes amid growing concerns of division in the dressing room, exacerbated by recent administrative changes and a series of disappointing results. Reports suggest that the players and management have struggled to find common ground, with even the appointment and subsequent removal of Shaheen Shah Afridi as T20 captain fueling tensions. Kirsten, who took over as the white-ball coach, was said to be surprised by the degree of disunity.

PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer acknowledged the fractured state of affairs, noting that the camp was an attempt to repair relationships. "The session was about openly and candidly accepting and identifying issues and asking for a commitment on how we can improve our performances and work together as a team," Naseer said during the camp’s conclusion in Lahore. He stressed that unity was not just required among players but also between the board and team management.

Jason Gillespie, head coach of Pakistan's Test side, echoed similar sentiments. "Our job is to listen and learn and look to implement ways where we can be more effective as players, as a team, and as coaches. What was really clear today was the pride the Pakistan players have in playing for Pakistan and how they want to inspire the country. That was really exciting to hear. The players care and are desperate to do well. We're on this journey together and we'll do everything we can to help."

Kirsten remains optimistic despite the challenges and praised the depth of talent in Pakistan cricket, highlighted by his observations during the Champions Cup. "I've been here the last 12 days or so watching the Champions Cup and have been really encouraged by the depth of quality players in this tournament," he said, striking a positive tone as Pakistan looks to bounce back from recent setbacks.

With the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Pakistan cricket will be hoping the lessons learned at the 'Connection Camp' will pave the way for a revival in fortunes, led by a unified and professional squad under Babar Azam’s leadership.