'What team did you select?': Danish Kaneria tears into PCB for Pakistan's 'pathetic state' ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup Super 4 encounter

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has strongly criticised the national team's performance following their disappointing loss to India in the Asia Cup. He accused the team management and players of deflecting blame and failing to take responsibility for their poor showing. Pakistan suffered a seven-wicket win against India in their group stage match. However, both the teams will yet again cross swords with each other in the Super Four clash which is slated to be played on September 21.

Danish Kaneria cracks whip at Pakistan team's misery

Kaneria's comments were prompted by India's dominant victory in the highly anticipated group-stage match. Following the game, a significant moment occurred when the Indian team deliberately skipped the traditional post-match handshake with the Pakistani players.

"Pakistan cricket is in a pathetic state right now. This always happens: when there is an issue (handshake snub), instead of taking responsibility, they keep blaming others. The selectors were entrusted with the responsibility of 22 crore people. What team did you select? What coaching assignments did you give? What was your game plan, strategy, and approach?",” Kaneria told IANS.

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Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria acknowledged the significant gap between the two teams, stating that India is a top-tier side while Pakistan is underperforming. Based on the last match, he believes it's clear that the Pakistani team is not superior to India. Kaneria also criticized the controversies surrounding the team, specifically mentioning the highly publicized no-handshake incident after the match.

A day after the no-handshake controversy, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the current president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup roster. Naqvi alleged that Pycroft had "requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss" as is customary.

"The handshake incident caused a big commotion. If Pakistan continue like this and don't focus on cricket, they will head further toward decline," he added.

Kaneria emphasised that if Pakistan want to compete with the best, they need a clear strategy, proper planning, and strong execution. He fears that without structural changes and accountability at the top, Pakistan cricket could decline further. As the Asia Cup continues, the team faces increasing pressure both on and off the field. The focus is now on how the players and management will respond to this criticism and whether they can regain their form for the Super Four match against India.