Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has yet again launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the national selectors after the announcement of the 18-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in July 2022.
Sarfaraz Ahmed has been named in the Pakistan squad despite there being fewer chances of him getting a place in the playing thanks to Mohammad Rizwan’s presence. On the other hand, the senior leg-spinner, Yasir Shah, also returned after recovering from an injury, along with Shan Masood.
Yasir’s return came at the cost of off-spinner Sajid Khan, despite the fact that he bowled brilliantly in all three matches against Australia in the home series.
Well, some of PCB’s decisions irked Kaneria, and he went on to claim that whoever offers gifts and keeps selectors happy gets selected into the Pakistan team, as he is highlighting the favoritism inside the team.
Kaneria said on his YouTube channel: “I don't understand on what basis the selectors have picked the team. It seems like the selectors will never improve and think about players while picking a team. I don't know how Ramiz (Raja) approved this team. Some changes were needed after Australia defeated Pakistan in their own backyard. Off-spinner Sajid Khan played all the Test matches against Australia, but Pakistan didn't give a chance to Yasir Shah, who would have gotten exposed against the Aussie batters.”
He continued, “Sajid has been unfairly treated. They also removed Usman Qadir and didn't play him against Australia either. Zahid Mahmood was also omitted without any reason. I'm not sure whether Babar (Azam) or (Mohammad) Wasim are picking the team or doing favors for friends.
Sarfaraz has also been included in the Test setup. He won't be getting into the eleven because of Mohammad Rizwan. Instead of Sarfaraz, a young player could have been a part of the side. They also put Haris Rauf in the Test squad, but Shahnawaz Dahani can be a better bowler in the longer format. Rauf should have been kept for the T20 format.”
Kaneria concluded, “Pakistan needs to make a team for the future, but it seems like the current selection committee is doing favors. One who offers gifts and keeps selectors happy gets into the team. Hardworking and honest players are being treated unfairly.”
Pakistan is in the fifth position in the ICC World Test Championship league table at the moment, with three wins and two defeats in seven matches.
