'In Pakistan, You See The Same Team Playing Against Oman In The Morning That Played Against Netherlands The Last Night'- Danish Kaneria Tears Apart Babar Azam And Co. For Favouritism
Published - 23 Aug 2022, 10:08 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 09:07 AM
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has come down hard on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Pakistan team management for not giving enough opportunities to youngsters. Notably, Pakistan have failed to create a backup side on the international level like most of the big sides in international cricket are doing at the moment.
There was a lot of criticism when the senior Pakistan side was sent to face the Netherlands in the 3-match ODI series. Pakistan’s arch-rivals, India, have in the meanwhile created a very strong bench strength for the international stage.
Ever since the change in leadership after the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, team India have tried closed to 3 dozen players at the international level to formulate a strong side for Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2022.
Favouritism Is At Its Peak In Pakistan- Danish Kaneria
Speaking exclusively to Cricketaddictor, Danish Kaneria said, “Yes, there are friendships being preferred while team selection in Pakistan and favouritism is at the peak in Pakistan Cricket right now. Players who perform in the domestic circuit aren’t being considered for the international stage.”
Look at India, they have made their A, B, and C teams. Whosoever is doing well, is being given international exposure because they are working on their backup. I read Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid’s statement that we are planning for the future.”
“However, there is no such thing taking place in Pakistan Cricket right now. In Pakistan, you wake up in the morning and see the same team playing everywhere. Even if Pakistan is playing against Namibia, Babar Azam is seen leading the side. Even if Pakistan plays against Oman, they will play with the same side. They aren’t letting players break through the ranks.”
“For example, Shahnawaz Dahani is a fantastic cricketer. He’s proved his might in the PSL and Pakistan domestic circuit. Even after that, PCB hasn’t given regular chances to him,” Danish Kaneria further added.
“The Pakistan team management has been a complete failure in formulating a backup team. In the spin department, Zahid Mahmood is one such guy who hasn’t been utilised properly. It was a great chance in the Netherlands for Pakistan to have arranged a comeback for Mohammad Hasnain in the international circuit after ICC cleared his bowling action,” Danish Kaneria stated.
“Till friendships and favouritism exist in Pakistan Cricket, we won’t be able to move forward. There’s a lot of Cricket coming your way and the rebuilding process is down and out. When there is the actual rebuilding time, they don’t do anything. On the cusp of major events, the ‘Laptop Selectors’ come out and speak of the rebuilding process.”
Now If Pakistan Lose To India, They Will Cry Over Shaheen Afridi
Notably, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2022. India and Pakistan will take on each other on August 28 and the last time these 2 teams were on the field facing each other, Shaheen ran riots through the Indian top-order.
Since Pakistan hasn’t been able to groom another pacer like Shaheen, Danish Kaneria reckons Pakistan’s selectors and team management have found a new scapegoat in Shaheen’s injury if Pakistan loses to India.
“Now if Pakistan loses to India on August 28th, these people in the Selection Committee and PCB will start crying over missing Shaheen Shah Afridi. When you create no backup, you are bound to become a cry baby. You look at India, if one of their team is playing against England, their other side is playing in Sri Lanka. They are using so many different captains and handing them exposure. But you don’t see any such thing taking place in Pakistan cricket which is very unfortunate,” Danish Kaneria stated.
Mohammad Hasnain has replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi in Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad.
