‘No good’: Denmark’s Kaneria slams Pakistan cricket, calls it a ‘disgrace’ after 70 years

Players greet each other at the end of play on the fourth day of the second cricket Test match between England and Pakistan in London, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland) Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has strongly criticized the country’s cricket system after Pakistan suffered a 0-2 defeat in the Test series against England. He questioned the team selection, coaching, structure of domestic cricket and the lack of accountability in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).Pakistan’s 194-run loss at Lord’s gave England an unassailable lead in the series. In response, Pakistan dropped seven players from the team and removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. But Kaneria believes that changing personnel will not solve the deeper problems.

Kaneria questions the Pakistan team and bowling attack

Kaneria said Pakistan cricket has lost its competitiveness and fighting spirit that was once associated with the team. He also criticized repeated changes in management and selection.“It’s a shame that Pakistan has gone through such a disaster after 70 years. There is no logic, selection committee or game. They are just useless. You see, such a poor performance. When one loses, one tries and fights before losing. The fight must be seen. There is no fighting here. Nobody knows anything,” he told IANS.He also questioned why coaches and selectors are appointed for short periods before being removed, saying the system needs stability and people who are willing to take responsibility for both wins and losses.Kaneria was particularly unhappy with Pakistan’s bowling options. He pointed out that experienced players like Mohammad Abbas, who took nine wickets at Lord’s, and spinner Noman Ali were overlooked despite performing well.“And the bowling attack is pathetic. Who is Muhammad Shahzad? Where did he come from? He has no line or length. No swing, no backswing. Nothing.”He also criticized Pakistan’s batting approach in English conditions, particularly the dismissal of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.“A player of Babar Azam’s caliber is getting out like that. It’s pathetic. And then you keep Rizwan for so long. I don’t know what he’s doing. Why is he even there?”

A call for major changes in domestic cricket

Kaneria believes the problems start long before players make it to the national team. He blamed the decline in the quality of Pakistan’s talent pool on the weakening of domestic cricket and the closure of the cricket department.“I like how BCCI has put in their contracts that first-class cricket is important. You play at least 5-6 matches. None of our boys play domestically. And this downfall of Pakistan cricket started when the structure of domestic cricket changed.”He argued that selectors need to watch domestic matches regularly instead of relying heavily on performances in the Pakistan Super League.“The reason is that the talent pool has been eliminated. There is no doubt that there is a talent pool in Pakistan, but this selection is mostly based on the PSL.”Kaneria demanded a strong selection committee, an experienced coach and a stable group of players who have had enough time to develop.“There are only a few players around whom Pakistan cricket revolves. There is no improvement. We need a strong coach and a strong selection committee.”Above all, he wants Pakistan to regain its competitive spirit.“We lost too. But fight and lose. At least fight. Fight, at least try! But it’s no effort.”