Danish Kaneria Slams Pakistan Cricket System After Series Defeat to England

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has strongly criticised the country’s cricket system after Pakistan suffered a 0-2 Test series defeat against England. He questioned the team’s selection, coaching, domestic cricket structure and the lack of accountability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Pakistan’s 194-run loss at Lord’s gave England an unassailable lead in the series. In response, Pakistan released seven players from the squad and removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. But Kaneria believes changing personnel will not solve the deeper problems.

Kaneria questions Pakistan’s team and bowling attack

Kaneria said Pakistan’s cricket has lost its competitiveness and the fighting spirit that was once associated with the team. He also criticised the repeated changes in leadership and selection. “It's a shame that after 70 years, Pakistan has gone through such a disaster. There is no logic, selection committee, or play. They are just good for nothing. You see, such a bad performance. If a person loses, he tries and fights before losing. The fight has to be visible. Here, there’s no fight. No one knows anything,” he told news agency IANS. He also questioned why coaches and selectors are appointed for short periods before being removed, saying the system needs stability and people who are willing to take responsibility for both wins and losses. Kaneria was particularly unhappy with Pakistan’s bowling options. He pointed out that experienced players such as Mohammad Abbas, who took nine wickets at Lord’s, and spinner Noman Ali have been overlooked despite performing well. “And the bowling attack is pathetic. Who is Muhammad Shahzad? Where did he come from? He doesn’t have any line or length. No swing, no reverse swing. Nothing.” He also criticised Pakistan’s batting approach in English conditions, particularly the dismissals of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. “Like a player of the calibre of Babar Azam is getting out like this. This is pathetic. And then you are keeping Rizwan for so long. I don't know what he is doing. Why is he even there?”

Call for major changes in domestic cricket

Kaneria believes the problems begin well before players reach the national team. He blamed the weakening of domestic cricket and the closure of departmental cricket for reducing the quality of Pakistan’s talent pool. “I like how the BCCI have put in their contracts that first class cricket is important. At least you play 5 to 6 games. None of our boys play domestic. And this downfall of Pakistan cricket started when the structure of domestic cricket changed.” He argued that selectors need to regularly watch domestic matches instead of relying heavily on performances in the Pakistan Super League.

“The reason is that the talent pool has been eliminated. There is no doubt there’s talent pool in Pakistan but this selection happens mostly based on PSL.” Kaneria called for a strong selection committee, an experienced coach and a settled group of players who are given enough time to develop. “There are only a few players around whom Pakistan cricket revolves. There is no improvement. Need a strong coach and a strong selection committee.” Above all, he wants Pakistan to regain its competitive spirit. “We also used to lose. But fight and lose. At least fight. Fight, try at least! But there is no effort.”