‘They messed up’: This former cricketer lashes out at Pakistan Team before India clash in Champions Trophy 2025
New Delhi: Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria criticized the host nation, claiming they prioritized constructing infrastructure for the Champions Trophy over assembling a strong team, ultimately wasting a golden chance to defend their title.
Pakistan had a rocky start to their first ICC home tournament in nearly 30 years, losing to New Zealand by 60 runs in their opening match in Karachi.
Kaneria also criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board for stirring up controversy over India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
“Pakistan focused more on hosting the Champions Trophy than thinking about building a good team. They messed up big time. They don’t focus on their cricket and create controversy on India not coming to Pakistan despite knowing that a hybrid model will be followed in the tournament,” Kaneria said while speaking to IANS.
“There is no combination in the team, they have kept required players out of the squad. They did so with Fakhar Zaman due to his statement (against PCB) and now brought him back into the team,” Kaneria added.
Zaman was ruled out of the Champions Trophy after featuring in just one match due to a persistent knee injury, which led to Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion in the squad that departed for Dubai on Thursday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board made the change following approval from the ICC’s Event Technical Committee. The crucial match against India is scheduled for Sunday, February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Kaneria pointed out Pakistan’s deficiencies in both batting and bowling, noting the absence of a quality spinner in their lineup. In the match against New Zealand, Pakistan relied on only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed.
“Pakistan have many issues, they have brought in Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar’s replacement. There are two or three good players but apart from them, I don’t see anyone. They don’t have a good bowling attack,” Kaneria said.
“Shaheen’s pace has dropped, Haris Rauf is unpredictable as he can concede 100 to 80 runs in a match and he hasn’t picked his line and length. Abrar Ahmed is an average spinner, he is no genius,” Kaneria added.