Former spinner urges overhaul as Pakistan faces 2-0 deficit in England

In a candid interview, ex‑off‑spinner Danish Kaneria labeled Pakistan’s current Test squad “the most dismal in 70 years”. The team, under Babar Azam’s captaincy, has already lost two Tests in England and sits 2‑0 down. Kaneria accused the PCB of lacking a clear game plan and of shuffling leadership without giving anyone time to settle.

He pointed out that the fast‑bowling unit, which should be the team’s strength, is unable to generate the pace needed on English wickets. With bowlers topping out at 120 kph, Pakistan is outgunned by England’s 140‑150 kph attack. The side also lacks a specialist spinner, a weakness that undermines their ability to take wickets in the final innings.

Kaneria also attacked the batting order, saying that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan seem lost and that lower‑order dismissals are “embarrassing”. He questioned the rationale behind keeping Rizwan in the side despite his mediocre form.

The former player praised Bangladesh’s recent resurgence, attributing it to fast bowlers above 140 kph and a competent coaching staff. He urged the PCB to follow a similar model: appoint an experienced coach, allow selectors to scout domestic talent seriously, and stop relying on Punjab Super League (PSL) performances alone.

Kaneria warned that if the PCB does not address these systemic issues, Pakistan’s reputation in world cricket will continue to erode.