Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has continued his criticism of the Men in the Green side while speaking about how many players are only in the squad due to their friendships with the right people. Pakistan has lost three matches out of five in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.
Pakistan was dealt a huge blow when Naseem Shah was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup 2023. This led to Hassan Ali being included in the side as his replacement. Hassan Ali in 5 matches has taken 8 wickets with a best of 4/71 and has an economy of 5.82.
However, Danish Kaneria has said the Pakistan team’s World Cup selections were based on friendships and personal relationships and used Hassan Ali as an example.
“When the squad was announced, I was sure that this wasn't a well-balanced team. The selections were based on friendships and personal relationships. I knew that this team would struggle in the World Cup. They talk about everything but strategy. They needed to understand that the conditions in India will favor batting and spin. The selection was wrong,” said Kaneria to Aaj Tak.
He said that Hassan Ali is only in the team because of friendships, saying the same about Usama Mir being in the team due to Mushtaq Ahmed. Hassan Ali has picked eight wickets in five matches for Pakistan in World Cup 2023.
“In Naseem Shah's absence, Pakistan is giving the new ball to Hassan Ali. Hassan Ali is only on the team because of friendships. Usama Mir plays for Multan Sultans, and Mushtaq Ahmed has good relations with Inzamam-ul-Haq. When a team is made for people's benefits and not for the country, you will only get such results,” Kaneria added.
Kaneria further questioned why Imad Wasim was not picked as another specialist spinner for the 2023 World Cup. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz have not been effective enough with the ball in World Cup 2023.
“When have two leg-spinners played together for Pakistan? When they played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the boundary is very short, Shadab Khan was dropped and Usama Mir was brought in. Also, why they didn't pick Imad Wasim,” said Kaneria.
Pakistan will now face a rampaging South Africa on Friday in Chennai next.
