Former spinner compares Pakistan team to 'mohalla team' after Bangladesh loss

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has sharply criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the national team following their recent Test series defeat against Bangladesh, which marked the first time Pakistan has lost a Test series to Bangladesh on home soil.

In an interview with IANS, Kaneria compared the current state of the Pakistan cricket team to that of a "mohalla team," emphasizing a decline in standards and accountability. 

“The level of the Pakistan cricket team is so low that even a mohalla team is better than them, and all this is because of the PCB. They are to be blamed for such a below-par show from the national side. The luxuries of the captain's ‘kursi' (chair) and the chairmanship at the PCB spoil minds,” Kaneria said. 

Kaneria did not spare Test captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam, criticizing their leadership and performance throughout the two-match series. He expressed disappointment over the PCB’s decision to appoint Azam as captain, arguing that Sarfaraz Ahmed, who previously led the team, was a more capable leader. 

"I don't know why Babar Azam was given the leadership responsibility despite Sarfaraz Ahmed's good captaincy. Currently, there is no captain material in the Pakistan team. A captain is someone who takes the pressure on his shoulders and carries the team forward with his performance, which both Babar and Shan Masood have failed to do,” he said.

Kaneria’s comments come amid increasing scrutiny of the PCB following the team’s poor showing. The former player highlighted the need for captains to shoulder pressure and lead by example, a role he believes both Masood and Azam have failed to fulfill.

Meanwhile, following their historic victory over Pakistan, Bangladesh traveled to India, where they faced a formidable Indian team in a two-match Test series. In the first Test, India dominated with a 280-run victory, bolstered by centuries from young batsmen Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Kaneria praised the Indian team’s collective effort, noting, “When you look at the current Indian team, everyone takes responsibility and performs when it is needed. Shubman (Gill), Rishabh (Pant), (Ravichandran) Ashwin — everyone contributes, and that is why they are a world-class team.”

Kaneria also spoke highly of Rishabh Pant, suggesting that the wicketkeeper-batter has the potential to lead India in the future. 

“Rishabh Pant can lead India in Tests in the future. He has that caliber. He is performing very well after his injury comeback, and being a wicketkeeper, he keeps himself engaged with the bowlers and fielders always. Indian cricket is going great guns,” he concluded.

The second Test match between India and Bangladesh is set to take place at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27 to October 1, where fans will be eager to see if Bangladesh can continue their impressive form against the formidable Indian side.