‘Bloody dumb captain’: Former Pakistan spinner criticizes Babar Azam, team management amid escalating injuries

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has strongly criticized the captain and coaching staff of the national team for their mishandling of the fast bowlers. Kaneria’s scathing remarks, shared on X (formerly Twitter), came just one day after right-arm pacer Naseem Shah suffered a shoulder injury that has cast doubt on his participation in the 2023 World Cup.

Naseem, a key member of Pakistan’s fast bowling unit, was forced to leave the field during the 46th over of India’s innings in the Asia Cup Super 4 game due to his shoulder injury. Consequently, he was unable to participate in the subsequent match against Sri Lanka, with Zaman Khan taking his place. On Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that they are seeking a second opinion regarding Naseem’s injury, but reports suggest that he will be unable to compete in the entire tournament held in India.

Although Rauf is on track to full fitness, he experienced a sudden pain in his right flank during the game against India and was unable to participate on the reserve day. Consequently, the Men in Green are now at risk of entering the World Cup without a fully operational bowling attack.

Taking to X, Kaneria targeted Babar Azam and wrote:

“Why Pakistan management and selectors didn’t know Sri Lanka is humid and hot out fast fast bowlers needs rest and fresh to go hard in tournament bloody dum Captain and selection that’s y we rout of finals idiots treat our gem like precious.”

Why Pakistan management and selectors didn’t know Sri Lanka is humid and hot out fast fast bowlers needs rest and fresh to go hard in tournament bloody dum Captain and selection that’s y we rout of finals idiots treat our gem like precious

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) September 17, 2023

Despite facing injury troubles and struggling with out-of-form players, the Pakistani cricket team failed to meet the high expectations placed upon them, ultimately crashing out of the tournament. Initially, they showcased their prowess with a resounding 238-run victory over Nepal. However, their fortunes took a drastic turn for the worse during the Super 4 stage.

Their hopes were shattered by a crushing 228-run defeat at the hands of India, which not only dealt a severe blow to their confidence but also significantly impacted their net run rate, pushing it into negative territory. Pakistan’s campaign came to an abrupt end with a heartbreaking two-wicket loss to Sri Lanka. In a display of remarkable composure, the Sri Lankan team held their nerve until the very last ball, securing a hard-fought victory.

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