After Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Danish Kaneria criticized Babar Azam for underperforming against top teams. He suggested potential leadership changes, recommended Fakhar Zaman as the next captain, and called for greater accountability within the Pakistan Cricket Board.
In the aftermath of Pakistan’s dismal performance in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, former cricketer Danish Kaneria criticized Babar Azam’s ability to perform against top teams. Kaneria highlighted that Babar often scores well against lesser teams like Zimbabwe, questioning his effectiveness during crucial matches against stronger opponents like New Zealand and India.
Pakistan faced early elimination from the tournament, losing both of their opening matches. Babar scored 64 runs against New Zealand and just 23 against India, leading to backlash regarding his “lack of intent” especially while chasing a target of 321 runs. These criticisms focus on his performance under pressure against formidable teams.
Kaneria suggested that the Pakistan cricket team lacks depth in batting, stating that while players like Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah occasionally contribute, consistent performances are missing. He remarked on Mohammad Rizwan’s struggles, indicating that the team was ill-prepared for the tournament based on the squad selection.
Furthermore, Kaneria proposed Fakhar Zaman as a potential successor to Babar’s captaincy due to his dynamic playing style. Although Zaman was injured prior to the Champions Trophy, Kaneria believes he possesses the necessary attributes to inspire the team and enhance their performance, which he felt was lacking in the context of the recent matches.
In concluding remarks, Kaneria expressed concern about the Pakistan Cricket Board’s management, indicating that mediocrity is being tolerated within the team. He emphasized that accountability should be enforced, stating that if players fail to deliver results, they should face consequences. Kaneria criticized the decision-making process behind team selections, claiming it should prioritize performance rather than personal connections.
In summary, Danish Kaneria’s critique of Babar Azam’s lack of impactful performances against strong teams highlights significant issues within Pakistan’s cricket setup. His calls for accountability and changes in leadership underscore the need for a shift in strategy to improve the team’s competitiveness. As the PCB faces scrutiny, the players’ performances and management decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Pakistan cricket.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
