Pakistan cricket is in dire straits. From early exit from ODI World Cup 2023, loss to UAE in T20 World Cup 2024 leading to group stage exit to the Test series loss against Bangladesh, it has turned from bad to worse for Pakistan. As Pakistan players brace up for domestic 50-over Champions Cup, former India captain Sourav Ganguly said that there is a ‘genuine dearth of talent in the country’. Ganguly sees them far from the memory of great Pakistan team that was filled with legends of the game.
"I see a genuine dearth of talent in the country. Every time we think of Pakistan, we remember Miandad, Wasim, Waqar, Saeed Anwar, Mohammad Yousuf, and Younis Khan,” Ganguly said at a promotional event in Kolkata as quoted by PTI.
"That's the memory of Pakistan for us, but that doesn’t win matches in the modern generation of cricket. Every generation has to produce outstanding players to win, and when I look at Pakistan in world cricket -- I saw them in the West Indies World Cup, in India during the World Cup, and now after the Bangladesh series loss -- there is a dearth of talent in that country.”
No disrespect for Pakistan cricket
Ganguly does not want to disrespect Pakistan cricketers but doesn’t see the talent they once possessed in the current squad.
"The people connected with the sport in Pakistan will have to look into it. I'm not saying this with disrespect. Pakistan of the old had some great cricketers, which I don't see in this squad," the former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president added.
Ganguly congratulates Bangladesh but doesn’t see them beating India
Meanwhile, Ganguly congratulated Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side for registering a historic Test series win on Pakistan soil.
"Going to Pakistan and beating them is never easy, so congratulations to the (Bangladesh) players. But India will be a different kettle of fish; India, whether at home or away, are a fantastic side with a very strong batting unit,” the 52-year-old said.
However, Ganguly does not see Bangladesh beating India in the upcoming two-Test series starting September 19.
"I don't see Bangladesh winning; India will win the series. But India must expect good and tough cricket from Bangladesh because they are coming into the series with a lot of confidence after beating Pakistan in Pakistan," he opined.
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