Kaneria Critiques Pakistan's Focus on Stadiums Over Team Performance
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Synopsis
On March 10, former cricketer Danish Kaneria pointed out the major flaw in Pakistan cricket, highlighting their financial focus on stadium upgrades while neglecting team preparation, leading to their early exit from the Champions Trophy.
Key Takeaways
- Danish Kaneria critiques PCB for prioritizing stadiums over team training.
- Pakistan was the host but became the first team eliminated.
- India's victory raises questions about perceived advantages.
- PCB invested 16 million dollars for venue upgrades.
- Pakistan's cricketing performance was subpar.
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria highlights a significant shortcoming in Pakistan cricket following their disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy, where they were the hosts and shockingly became the first team to exit the tournament. He pointed out that the PCB invested heavily in organizing this major event but neglected to focus on the team's preparation.
After India defeated Australia in the semifinal, Pakistan's aspirations of hosting the final were dashed. According to the hybrid formula agreed upon by Pakistan and the ICC, the final was held in Dubai instead of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
In an interview with IANS, Kaneria dismissed claims that India had an advantage by playing all their matches in Dubai, including the final, stating that such arguments are difficult to comprehend.
Following the semifinal victory, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir also criticized those who suggested India enjoyed an ‘unfair advantage’ and urged the ‘perpetual complainers’ to ‘mature’.
"In the next few days, discussions will revolve around how Pakistan hosted but India secured the trophy. Many in Pakistan claim India had an edge. I fail to see how such assertions arise... (Dubai) was not India’s home turf, it has always been Pakistan's home ground.
"I don’t believe India played matches in Dubai prior to the Champions Trophy. A Pakistani journalist posed this question to Gautam Gambhir, who provided a sharp and insightful reply," Kaneria told IANS.
Reports indicate that Pakistan allocated 16 million dollars to upgrade three venues, including the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
"Pakistan invested significantly in stadiums, but the crucial aspect they overlooked was their team. Despite being the host, they became the first team eliminated from the tournament, while India remained unbeaten. Handing the trophy to India was, in a sense, the cherry on top. When the Champions Trophy was announced, Pakistan made excessive noise..." he added.
The Mohammad Rizwan-led team exited the Champions Trophy in the group stage without securing a victory. They lost their opening match to New Zealand by 60 runs in Karachi, followed by a six-wicket defeat to their archrivals India that pushed them to the brink of an early exit. However, they managed to earn a point as their last group match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain.
"They didn’t send a strong team to the tournament... Their cricket was subpar. Discussing technical matters with Pakistan is futile; they merely criticize instead of accepting shortcomings, contributing to their regression," Kaneria remarked.
He continued, "After India’s team lost the BGT in Australia, they bounced back to win 8 ODIs and ultimately the Champions Trophy. In contrast, Pakistan’s team, which qualified for the Champions Trophy after losing the tri-series, didn’t exhibit the characteristics of a team capable of reaching the semi-finals.
"They fielded a team that should have been eliminated much sooner. Pakistan lacks quality players and effective team combinations. Their persistent issues stem from internal politics, friendships, and familial ties. The Indian team, in contrast, focuses solely on India, which explains their success.
