Ex-Pakistan Star Takes Dig At Pakistan Cricket Board Amid India's National Anthem Row In Lahore At CT 2025

The defending champions and host Pakistan are on the verge of being eliminated from the Champions Trophy following a six-wicket loss to India. Former spinner Danish Kaneria suggested that PCB should adopt a strict approach, like India did after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series loss, to achieve the desired results. Pakistan lost to New Zealand in Karachi in the tournament opener by 60 runs and lost their second game to arch-rivals India, as they still have no points to show on the points table with just one match to go. There is only a flicker of hope remaining for hosts at the Champions Trophy, who are now relying solely on other results to have any chance of progressing to the semifinals.

Following Pakistan's loss to India, Kaneria said PCB needs to ask players to stay away from distractions and focus on making their game better.

"I hope PCB doesn't make the mistake that happened in Lahore when India's national anthem was mistakenly played (during the Australia vs England match)", Kaneriya told IANS.

"The PCB's job is to give strict orders to ensure that they stay away from all distractions and focus on improving their cricket."

"They should give a one-year timeframe to the selectors, coach, and captain, saying, 'We need results.'. If they don't deliver within a year, they should step down themselves. A more strict approach will be needed—friendship and camaraderie won't get the job done.

"They have almost been eliminated from the tournament now, so their focus will be on ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament. It would be really interesting to see that Pakistan is hosting the tournament and the final features India and New Zealand facing off against each other in Dubai," Kaneria said.

He further stated that