'PCB Is Downgrading Morale Of...'- Danish Kaneria Blasts Cricket Board

image-loea8nw9Pakistan players in action in 2023 WC [AP]

As Pakistan's cricket team faces challenges in the ongoing World Cup 2023 on Indian soil, former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for undermining the morale of its cricketers.


Kaneria has called for major changes in PCB

The 42-year-old's comments come amidst recent controversies that have plagued Pakistan cricket. Reports emerged about an alleged WhatsApp chat involving skipper Babar Azam, leading to further scrutiny. 

This was followed by the abrupt resignation of Inzamam-ul-Haq from his role as the chief selector of the national men’s team, amidst rumours of his alleged involvement with a player management company.

Taking to Twitter, Kaneria pointed out that while Afghanistan's cricket team has been steadily advancing, putting emphasis on their game rather than political affairs, Pakistan seems to be getting tangled in non-sporting matters. 

He stated that PCB's approach of frequently warning its captain over performance outcomes is detrimental, especially when the team selection process itself has been a topic of debate.

Furthermore, Kaneria lamented the leakage of Babar Azam's private chats and called the situation surrounding the Pakistan cricket team its worst phase. He stressed the need for significant reforms both within the PCB and the team.

In the current World Cup edition, Pakistan's journey has been abysmal. They started off on a high, defeating the Netherlands convincingly, and even achieving the record for the highest successful run-chase in the tournament’s history against Sri Lanka.

But subsequent losses to powerhouse teams like India, Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa have put a damper on their momentum. Their recent narrow loss to South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium was particularly heartbreaking, losing by just one wicket.

With four consecutive losses, the path to the semi-finals for Babar Azam and his team looks challenging and they have to win against Bangladesh if they are to stay alive in the tournament.