Former cricketer urges Pakistan to hire tough coach like Gautam Gambhir

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has criticized Pakistan cricket’s current state, urging for a tough, straightforward coach similar to India’s Gautam Gambhir.

Following Pakistan's poor performances, including a 0-2 Test series loss to Bangladesh and a group-stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kaneria believes significant changes are necessary.

“Why today other teams are doing so well Why is the Indian team is doing so well? They had a Rahul Dravid who worked with the team very well now. They have Gautam Gambir, a fantastic cricketer and fantastic guy. The way he reacts, he tells on the face. He doesn’t go back and do backbiting; he’s on the face straight away. This is how you have to be. You have to be strong, and like a strong person, you have to make the decision on the face, not at the back,” Kaneria said.

Kaneria also criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its frequent captain changes. Babar Azam, who was removed following the ODI World Cup, was briefly replaced by Shaheen Afridi before being reinstated for the T20 World Cup. Kaneria believes this has led to confusion and instability.

“Stick to your captain and give him full support for a year. If he doesn’t perform, then make changes,” he further added.