In the high-stakes world of cricket, squad selections for prestigious tournaments like the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup inevitably draw considerable attention and debate. Former Pakistani spin maestro Danish Kaneria has recently raised eyebrows by suggesting that personal friendships and relationships may have influenced Pakistan’s team selection for the 2023 World Cup, possibly leading to a less-than-ideal mix.
Unbalanced Squad Selection: Kaneria’s Concerns
Kaneria, speaking candidly to Aaj Tak, voiced his reservations about the balance of Pakistan’s chosen squad, expressing doubts about their potential in the tournament. According to him, the selection process appeared to prioritize personal connections over strategic considerations, overlooking crucial factors like the playing conditions in India, which tend to favor batting and spin.
“When the squad was unveiled, it was evident to me that this was not a well-balanced team. The selections seemed influenced by friendships and personal ties rather than a strategic approach. They should have taken into account that Indian conditions are favorable for batting and spin. The selection appeared to ignore these vital aspects,” Kaneria asserted.
Kaneria’s critique suggests that the squad for the World Cup did not align well with these essential considerations.
Hasan Ali’s World Cup Inclusion: Merit or Friendship?
Kaneria raised questions about the inclusion of pacer Hasan Ali, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s World Cup squad, and whether his selection was based on merit or personal connections.
“In the absence of Naseem Shah, Pakistan entrusted the new ball to Hasan Ali. It seems that Hasan Ali’s presence in the team is due to personal friendships. Usama Mir’s association with Multan Sultans and Mushtaq Ahmed’s connections with Inzamam-ul-Haq seem to be the driving factors. When a team is seemingly assembled for individual interests rather than the nation’s benefit, results can be questionable,” Kaneria commented.
While Hasan Ali has been a consistent performer, taking eight wickets in five World Cup matches, Kaneria’s remarks certainly cast a shadow over the selection process.
Leg-Spin Dilemma: Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, and Imad Wasim
Kaneria expressed bewilderment at the exclusion of specialist spinner Imad Wasim from the squad. He questioned the wisdom of not including Imad Wasim, who could have been a valuable addition as another specialist spinner. The leg-spinners in the team, Shadab Khan and Usama Mir, have not delivered as expected in the World Cup.
“Rarely have we seen two leg-spinners playing together for Pakistan. When they played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with its short boundaries, Shadab Khan was benched, and Usama Mir was given a chance. Furthermore, the omission of Imad Wasim raises questions,” Kaneria remarked.
As Pakistan navigates through the group stage of the World Cup, they face an opportunity to recover from an inconsistent start. With just two wins from their first five matches, Pakistan’s performance has been erratic. Their upcoming clash against South Africa on Friday, October 27, will be a pivotal test of their abilities and a chance to silence the doubters.
