Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has come to the defense of the Pakistan cricket team after their recent loss in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Kaneria urged critics to shift their focus away from the players and address the broader issues within Pakistan cricket, particularly the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) neglect of domestic cricket.
Pakistan’s Test Series Defeat
Pakistan suffered a historic defeat against Bangladesh, marking the first time Bangladesh has won a Test series against Pakistan. The loss has raised concerns about the state of Pakistan cricket, especially as the team has been struggling in major tournaments since their T20 World Cup final appearance in 2022.
Kaneria’s Criticism of PCB
Kaneria expressed his concerns about the PCB’s priorities, stating that the board is overly focused on the Pakistan Super League (PSL) rather than strengthening domestic cricket. According to Kaneria, this has led to a decline in the team’s performance in the longer formats of the game. He believes that the lack of emphasis on Test cricket is contributing to Pakistan’s downfall.
Downfall Since Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Sacking
Kaneria pointed to the sacking of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as a turning point for Pakistan cricket. He argued that Sarfaraz was a capable leader, and his removal created instability within the team. Since then, Pakistan has failed to perform consistently, struggling in key international tournaments and Test series.
Pakistan’s Struggles in Global Tournaments
Kaneria also highlighted Pakistan’s poor performance in recent international events. After the ODI World Cup failure in India, Pakistan faced a major setback in the T20 World Cup 2024 when they were defeated by the USA in the group stage, failing to qualify for the Super 8.
Kaneria’s Statement
“I think we should not blame players, it is the system that has been failing time and again, and as a result, Pakistan cricket is going down. Pakistan Cricket Board is only focusing towards PSL rather they should take domestic cricket seriously. They have made Test cricket secondary,” said Kaneria in an interview.
Champions Cup 2024: PCB’s Focus
Amidst the criticism, the PCB recently launched the Champions Cup, a domestic white-ball series aimed at preparing players for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2024, which will be hosted by Pakistan. While the tournament features top players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kaneria believes that domestic Test cricket needs more attention.
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Champions Cup Squads
The Champions Cup features four teams: Lions, Dolphins, Panthers, and Stallions, with leading players from Pakistan’s national team and domestic circuit. Notable players include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Haris, who will captain their respective sides.
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