Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria has launched a searing critique of Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam’s leadership following the team’s three consecutive losses in the ongoing 2023 World Cup.
The outspoken Kaneria did not mince words, suggesting that Babar’s captaincy lacked the requisite skills and that he merely followed the orders of the team management. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.
Kaneria, in a recent interview with Aaj Tak, was quoted as saying, “Babar Azam will only do what is written on paper and given to him. He doesn’t know anything else. He can’t bat under pressure, which is why he elected to bat first against Afghanistan.” These candid remarks highlight the former cricketer’s belief that the pressure of chasing was too much for the Pakistani captain to handle.
The criticism comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disheartening loss to Afghanistan on Monday, October 23, where they failed to defend a 283-run total, succumbing to an eight-wicket defeat. This loss leaves Pakistan in a precarious fifth place in the 2023 World Cup points table, with just two wins from five games.
Kaneria did not stop at Babar Azam’s leadership. He went on to express his concerns about Pakistan’s World Cup lineup, suggesting that bowlers like Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali are not particularly dependable. In addition, he pointed out a perplexing decision by Babar Azam during the Afghanistan match, stating, “When there was some reverse swing, Babar Azam bowled Iftikhar Ahmed from one end. They are looking like a pathetic side right now.”
The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging for Pakistan, as they are yet to face formidable opponents like England, South Africa, and New Zealand. Their next match is scheduled against South Africa, set to take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, October 27.
With these critiques, the pressure is mounting on Babar Azam and the Pakistan cricket team. Whether they can bounce back and prove their mettle in the remainder of the tournament remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – they are facing an uphill battle in the 2023 World Cup. Get free cricket betting tips only on Nextbet Sports.
