"Where were Azam Khan and Mohammad Amir 6 months ago?"- Wasim Akram shred into pieces for selective criticism

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria lashed out at former cricketers like Wasim Akram for harshly criticizing the Pakistan cricket team's dismal performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

In the wake of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 exit, Kaneria said that former Pakistani legends should actively support the national team rather than just criticize from the sidelines.

Danish Kaneria slams Wasim Akram and Co. for criticizing Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 performance

Kaneria emphasized that former cricketers like Akram should step in to help the team directly. He questioned why the legendary Pakistani pacer did not address the controversial selection of Mohammad Amir, suggesting that veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik would have been a better choice.

Danish Kaneria was quoted as saying by Times Now, “See Wasim Akram and the other people can only preach from outside. Why don't they come and help the Pakistan side? Why at once Wasim Akram did not say that Mohammad Amir's selection was not justifiable? Compared to Amir, they should have asked Shoaib Malik to play. He is still a much better player than these guys.”

The former spinner also pointed out that Pakistan's preparation for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 was not enough, and they should have started preparations for the mega event a year before.

He further suggested that the Pakistan cricket team should have identified and trained a core group of 20–22 players a year in advance, and then they should have selected the best 15 players from this pool.

They are the master of U-Turn: Kaneria on Pakistan team management

Kaneria also criticized the current Pakistan cricket team management for their inconsistent decisions and failure to take responsibility for the team's failures in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

The former Pakistani spinner added, “They should have picked 20-22 blokes in the camp and would have picked the best 15 out of them. You tell me, where were Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan 6 months ago? Did they play for Pakistan? There’s a major problem with the Pakistan team management.

They will wake up in the morning and say something and then will take U-Turn in the evening. They are the master of U-Turn. If you are making a team then own it and take that onus. If the team wins, they own it then why aren't you accepting your faults if the team loses? They are egoistic as they think they are perfect and cannot make mistakes.”

Discussing potential captaincy options for Pakistan, Kaneria suggested that Mohammad Rizwan could be a strong candidate due to his role as a wicketkeeper, or the national selectors might consider reinstating Shaheen Afridi as white-ball captain. However, he believes that the PCB should appoint a senior player as captain while designating a junior player as vice-captain.

Danish Kaneria predicts the T20 World Cup 2024, semifinalists

Looking ahead, Kaneria shared his predictions for the semi-finalists of the T20 World Cup 2024. He believes that the West Indies and India will make it to the semifinals for sure, but he also highlighted the potential of underdog teams like the USA, saying they can pull out a surprise on the global stage.

Kaneria signed off by saying, “I think the West Indies will be there, India should make the cut as well. You never know on a given day, the smaller teams play like they have nothing to lose. I feel the USA can do wonders, their players have played in the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments. The backroom staff and the coaches have worked really well, you never know, the USA might make it into the semifinals.”