Defending champions Pakistan face elimination from the Champions Trophy after losing to India and New Zealand. Former spinner Danish Kaneria advises the PCB to adopt a strict approach similar to India’s post-Border-Gavaskar Trophy strategy, urging players to focus on improving their game and avoid distractions. He suggests a one-year deadline for selectors, coach, and captain, Mohammad Rizwan, to deliver results or step down. Kaneria emphasizes the need for a fast-bowling all-rounder and skilled left-arm spinners. With no points and only one match left, Pakistan relies on other results and is losing fan interest amidst disappointing performances.
The reigning champions and hosts, Pakistan, are on the brink of being eliminated from the Champions Trophy after suffering a six-wicket defeat to India. Former spinner Danish Kaneria has suggested that the PCB should implement a more stringent approach, similar to what India adopted following their loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, to achieve the desired outcomes. Pakistan faced a 60-run loss to New Zealand in their tournament opener in Karachi and followed it up with another defeat to their arch-rivals, India. With just one match left to play, they sit at the bottom of the points table with no points to their name, leaving them with only a glimmer of hope to advance to the semifinals, depending on other results.
In response to Pakistan’s loss to India, Kaneria emphasized that the PCB needs to instruct players to minimize distractions and concentrate on enhancing their performance.
“I hope the PCB doesn’t repeat the mistake made in Lahore when they accidentally played India’s national anthem (during the Australia vs England match),” Kaneria told IANS.
“It’s the PCB’s responsibility to lay down strict guidelines that ensure players stay clear of distractions and focus on bettering their cricket.”
“They should set a one-year deadline for the selectors, coach, and captain, stating, ‘We need results.’ If they fail to deliver within that timeframe, they should resign. A firmer approach is essential; friendships and camaraderie won’t suffice.”
“With their elimination almost certain, they should prioritize the smooth execution of the tournament. It would be quite interesting to witness Pakistan hosting the tournament while the final features a clash between India and New Zealand in Dubai,” Kaneria remarked.
He further stressed that Pakistan is in need of a fast-bowling all-rounder akin to Hardik Pandya, as well as proficient left-arm spinners. The way Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Salman Agha with a crafty googly underscores the necessity for such spinners.
“I believe Pakistan requires two strong all-rounders: a fast-bowling all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, along with talented left-arm spinners. The manner in which Kuldeep Yadav took out Salman Agha, who was caught off guard by the googly, illustrates the significance of skilled spinners,” he added.
The former cricketer called on the PCB to communicate directly with Mohammad Rizwan regarding his future as captain and to establish how long they intend to maintain him in that role.
“The PCB must be strict to achieve the desired outcomes. India also put strict measures in place following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the players responded well. Likewise, the PCB should refine their tactics and work on the selection committee. They need to be transparent with Rizwan about his captaincy—how long will they keep him in that position? They should also clearly define Babar Azam’s role and communicate it to him effectively,” he mentioned.
He continued, “One step the team must take, if possible, is to discuss whether Rizwan is comfortable in his captaincy role and if it is impacting his performance. If so, I think the next candidate for captain should be Fakhar Zaman. The PCB has numerous improvements to make for the benefit of the Pakistan cricket team.”
Pakistan will be closely watching Monday’s game, hoping that Bangladesh can defeat New Zealand, keeping Group A competitive for a few more days. Otherwise, it will be New Zealand who will join India in the semi-finals.
Kaneria underscored the lack of crowd support for the home team, stating, “If there’s a Champions Trophy match in Pakistan and the team is out of contention, why would people waste their money to attend?”
“The stadium was already seeing low attendance, and now with Pakistan eliminated from the tournament, fans may think it’s better to watch the matches from home.”
The hosts of the Champions Trophy will now return to their home ground from Dubai to prepare for Thursday’s clash against Bangladesh.
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