On Sunday, August 30, 2026, players from England and Pakistan exchanged greetings at the conclusion of the fourth day of their second Test match in London. The match showcased competitive spirit and sportsmanship, highlighting the camaraderie that exists between the teams despite the intense rivalry on the field. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
Kaneria questions Pakistan’s team and bowling attack
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has strongly criticised the country’s cricket system after Pakistan suffered a 0-2 Test series defeat against England. Pakistan’s 194-run loss at Lord’s gave England an unassailable lead in the series. “It’s a shame that after 70 years, Pakistan has gone through such a disaster.
In response, Pakistan released seven players from the squad and removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Kaneria said Pakistan’s cricket has lost its competitiveness and the fighting spirit that was once associated with the team.
No one knows anything,” he told news agency IANS. He questioned the team’s selection, coaching, domestic cricket structure and the lack of accountability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). But Kaneria believes changing personnel will not solve the deeper problems. He also criticised the repeated changes in leadership and selection. There is no logic, selection committee, or play. They are just good for nothing. You see, such a bad performance. If a person loses, he tries and fights before losing. The fight has to be visible. Here, there’s no fight. “Like a player of the calibre of Babar Azam is getting out like this. This is pathetic. And then you are keeping Rizwan for so long. I don’t know what he is doing. Why is he even there? Kaneria believes the problems begin well before players reach the national team. He blamed the weakening of domestic cricket and the closure of departmental cricket for reducing the quality of Pakistan’s talent pool.