"Selections were based on friendships and personal relationships"- Danish Kaneria on Pakistan's 2023 World Cup squad
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria feels that Babar Azam and company will continue to struggle in the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
Kaneria reckoned that poor selection choices are to blame for the Men in Green's underwhelming run in the showpiece event. The former leg-spinner suggested that players weren't picked on merit but on the basis of friendship.
In an interview with Aaj Tak, he remarked (2:08):
"When the squad was announced, I was sure that this wasn't a well-balanced team. The selections were based on friendships and personal relationships. I knew that this team would struggle in the World Cup."
"They talk about everything but strategy," Danish Kaneria added. "They needed to understand that the conditions in India will favour batting and spin. The selection was totally wrong."
Kaneria claimed that Hasan Ali and Usama Mir were included in the squad because they share a good bond with key members of the team management. He added (3:16):
"In Naseem Shah's absence, Pakistan are giving the new ball to Hasan Ali. Hasan Ali is only in the team because of friendship. Usama Mir plays for Multan Sultans, and Mushtaq Ahmed has good relations with Inzamam-ul-Haq. When a team is made for people's individual benefits and not for the country, you will only get such results."
Pakistan lost steam after an impressive start to the 2023 World Cup, suffering three back-to-back defeats. They faced losses against India, Australia, and Afghanistan and are currently placed fifth in the points table.
"When have two leg-spinners played together for Pakistan?" - Danish Kaneria on Shadab Khan and Usama Mir
Danish Kaneria stated that the Pakistani think tank missed the trick by selecting two leg-spinners in the form of Shadab Khan and Usama Mir in the 2023 World Cup squad.
The 42-year-old mentioned that left-arm spinner Imad Wasim should have been considered for the crucial event, adding (2:50):
"When have two leg-spinners played together for Pakistan? I was not picked for ODIs because they said Shahid Afridi was already there. When they played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the boundary is very short, Shadab Khan was dropped and Usama Mir was brought in. Also, why they didn't pick Imad Wasim?"
Pakistan are scheduled to face South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, October 27.