Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Former Players Demand Tough Leadership

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Former Players Demand Tough Leadership

Pakistan cricket has been in a state of turmoil in recent times, with a humiliating 2-0 series defeat at home against Bangladesh, reports of dressing room conflicts, and groupism within the team. The constant chopping and changing in PCB administration and teams across formats has further exacerbated the situation.

Former players have been vocal in their criticism of the administrators, team management, and players. Former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has joined the chorus, expressing his concern over Pakistan’s recent performances.

Kaneria believes that everything is being taken for granted in the team and that Pakistan cricket needs a tough task-master like India’s Gautam Gambhir. He emphasized the importance of sticking with a captain and providing them with full support, while also holding them accountable for their performance.

“Why today other teams are doing so well? Why is the Indian team is doing so well? They had Rahul Dravid who worked with the team very well now they have Gautham Gambhir, a fantastic cricketer and fantastic guy. The way he reacts, he tells on the face. He doesn’t go back and do backbiting; he’s on the face straight away. This is how you have to be. You have to be strong, and like a strong person, you have to make the decision on the face, not at the back,” said Kaneria.

Reports in Pakistan media suggest that Babar Azam, who has been struggling with poor form, may be removed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the potential candidate to lead the team in ODIs and T20Is.

The likely development comes after Babar’s recent batting failures in the home Test series against Bangladesh. Shan Masood was leading the Test side, which the hosts embarrassingly lost 2-0.

Danish Kaneria: Virat Kohli Clearly Superior to Babar Azam

Danish Kaneria: Virat Kohli Clearly Superior to Babar Azam

The debate over who is the better batter between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam has been a hot topic among cricket fans for some time now. While both players have had their ups and downs, the conversation over who is superior continues to rage. However, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes that there is no comparison between the two players and that Virat Kohli is clearly the better player.

In an interview with Sports Tak, Kaneria said that people should look at both of their records and it clearly shows that Virat is the better batter. “Who is comparing them? I am tired of hearing that people compare them. When you’re talking about comparing, look at the runs Virat has scored. He has scored runs all around the world. He is a massive player,” Kaneria said.

Kaneria also said that the presence of Kohli is enough to have an impact on the field – something that Babar is currently missing. He added that the comparisons were mainly created by the media. “Look at his stature, when he walks onto the field, his aura itself is different and he (Babar) does not come close, forget comparing them. All that is created by the channels to sell their product. I have had a lot of questions comparing them, but I have never done it. Look at the stats. When both of them retire, do take a look at the stats,” he mentioned.

Kaneria’s comments come at a time when both Kohli and Babar are in good form. Kohli has recently scored a century in the ongoing Asia Cup, while Babar has also been in good touch. However, Kaneria believes that Kohli is still the better player and that there is no comparison between the two.

India's Champions Trophy Participation in Pakistan Uncertain Amid Safety Concerns

India’s Champions Trophy Participation in Pakistan Uncertain Amid Safety Concerns

The participation of the Indian cricket team in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain amidst ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has expressed his belief that India should not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing safety concerns.

Kaneria emphasized that the safety of players should be paramount and that the current situation in Pakistan does not provide a conducive environment for the Indian team. He suggested that Dubai would be a more suitable venue for the event.

“Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan,” Kaneria said. “The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority.”

Kaneria acknowledged that the Pakistan team traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he noted that the situation in India is more stable than in Pakistan. He believes that the BCCI is making the right decision by not providing any guarantees for the Champions Trophy.

“I think BCCI is doing a great job,” Kaneria said. “I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model.”

Kaneria also pointed out that the financial benefits of hosting the Indian team are a major factor in the ongoing discussions. However, he stressed that safety and respect should take precedence over financial considerations.

“The main issue is that money will come,” Kaneria said. “But you see the other grey area which you are fixing right now. If you think positively, your mind that the situation is not good, security concerns are there.”

The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the venue for the Champions Trophy in due course. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 18, 2025.

Kaneria Questions BCCI Selectors Over Rinku Singh's T20 World Cup Exclusion

Kaneria Questions BCCI Selectors Over Rinku Singh’s T20 World Cup Exclusion

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has raised concerns over the exclusion of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh from India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Kaneria believes that Rinku should have been included in the main squad, while Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Hardik Pandya should have been omitted due to his poor form in the ongoing IPL.

Kaneria praised India’s recent production of talented cricketers, citing Yashasvi Jaiswal, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Mayank Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma as examples. He emphasized that Rinku’s performances in the IPL warranted his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.

“I feel that Rinku should have been a part of India’s T20 WC squad. If I take the ongoing IPL’s performances into consideration, then Hardik Pandya should have been the one to miss out. He hasn’t shown consistency at all,” Kaneria said in an interview with Sports Now.

Kaneria suggested that Shivam Dube, who has been in good form for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), would have been a better choice than Pandya. He believes that a combination of Dube and Rinku would have strengthened India’s lower order.

Meanwhile, Rinku had a disappointing outing in his first game since the T20 World Cup omission. In the match between KKR and MI, he scored only nine runs off eight balls before being dismissed by Piyush Chawla. Despite Rinku’s poor performance, KKR defeated MI by 24 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.

KKR’s victory was their first at the Wankhede ground in 12 years and their seventh from 10 games this season. MI, on the other hand, slumped to ninth position in the 10-team competition after their eighth loss in 11 games. KKR is currently placed second and is well-positioned to make it to the play-offs.

Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup Inclusion Undoubted, Says Danish Kaneria

Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup Inclusion Undoubted, Says Danish Kaneria

Amidst the ongoing speculation surrounding Virat Kohli’s potential exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has expressed his unwavering belief that the star batter will retain his place in the team.

Kaneria dismissed the rumors circulating on social media, emphasizing that such platforms should not be taken seriously. He firmly stated that Kohli’s inclusion is imperative, given his consistent run-scoring and invaluable experience.

“How can you ignore him (Virat)? He should be in India’s squad. He has been scoring runs, it is not a time to look beyond Kohli, it is a time to have Kohli in your squad, who can also groom youngsters,” Kaneria told IANS.

Kohli’s last T20I appearance was in January against Afghanistan, where he scored 29 and 0 in two matches. However, Kaneria believes that these performances should not overshadow his overall contributions.

In addition to Kohli, Kaneria also lauded the resurgence of chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav. He noted Yadav’s regained confidence and improved performance, encouraging him to continue building on his momentum.

Looking ahead to the upcoming IPL season, Kaneria urged the BCCI and franchises to prioritize the workload management of key players, especially to prevent injuries to the likes of Jasprit Bumrah. He also highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Expressing his desire to contribute to the game, Kaneria expressed his willingness to return to the field as a coach. He welcomed the opportunity to work with any IPL team, particularly to mentor young spinners and contribute to the development of the next generation of cricketers.

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