‘Only a few players around whom Pakistan cricket revolves’ – Danish Kaneria demands structural overhaul

‘Only a few players around whom Pakistan cricket revolves’ – Danish Kaneria demands structural overhaul (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images)

Pakistan has suffered two back-to-back Test losses against England, prompting former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria to launch a blistering attack on the country’s cricketing system. Kaneria questioned player selection, coaching standards, domestic structure and administration accountability in the wake of the loss.

Kaneria identified the weakening of domestic cricket as a fundamental reason behind Pakistan’s decline. He pointed to India’s emphasis on first-class cricket and England and Australia’s long-established domestic structures as examples that Pakistan should have preserved.

“I like how the BCCI have put in their contracts that first class cricket is important. At least you play 5 to 6 games. None of our boys play domestic. And this downfall of Pakistan cricket started when the structure of domestic cricket changed,” Kaneria was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Selection driven by league cricket, not domestic performance

He explained that while talent exists in the country, selection decisions are now driven primarily by Pakistan Super League (PSL) performances rather than domestic cricket development. Kaneria highlighted how this approach differs fundamentally from the structured pathways that have sustained other cricket nations.

“The reason is that the talent pool has been eliminated. There is no doubt there’s talent pool in Pakistan but this selection happens mostly based on PSL,” Kaneria added.

The former cricketer highlighted the narrow base of players on whom Pakistan’s cricket depends. He called for structural changes to address the lack of improvement in the team’s performance and the absence of a robust development pipeline.

“There are only a few players around whom Pakistan cricket revolves. There is no improvement. Need a strong coach and a strong selection committee,” Kaneria opined.

The need for strong coaching and selection committee

Kaneria expressed frustration at the team’s lack of fight during the England series. He contrasted Pakistan’s current approach with the competitive spirit shown in previous eras, even when the team faced defeats.

“We also used to lose. But fight and lose. At least fight. Fight, try at least! But there is no effort,” Kaneria concluded.

Kaneria’s proposed solution involves multiple structural changes to rebuild Pakistan cricket. These include strengthening domestic cricket, scouting players through the first-class system, appointing a strong and independent selection committee, bringing in an experienced coach, settling on a group of young players supported by a small number of senior figures, and allowing that project sufficient time to produce results.

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