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NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes the historic India–Pakistan rivalry has lost its spark, blaming the declining standard of Pakistan cricket for the subdued buzz ahead of Sunday’s Asia Cup showdown in Dubai.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Traditionally one of cricket’s fiercest contests, the fixture has been overshadowed this year not only by strained political ties but also by what Kaneria describes as a widening gulf in quality between the two sides. The shadow of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam has further dampened sentiments. In the aftermath, Indian veterans boycotted their World Championship of Legends match against Pakistan, intensifying calls to rethink Indo-Pak cricket ties.“There’s no doubt Indian sentiments are hurt. India didn’t play the World Championship of Legends match, and there’s still no clarity on the matter. Also, the quality of Pakistan cricket has declined, which is why there isn’t much hype around the India–Pakistan clash this time,” Kaneria told IANS.
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Kaneria cast further doubt on Pakistan’s chances, citing the absence of senior stars like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. “There is no competition right now. Pakistan is losing against smaller teams, and there are regular changes in the squad. This time, neither Babar Azam nor Rizwan is in the team… Most of them are youngsters,” he said.While India thumped the UAE by nine wickets in their opener, Pakistan began with a 93-run win over Oman. But Kaneria insists India are miles ahead. “Even without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India’s team under Shubman Gill levelled a series against England. In the Asia Cup, Suryakumar Yadav is leading a batting lineup that goes deep. I don’t think there will be any competition in the match,” he added.For Kaneria, Pakistan’s likely fallback will be to frame any defeat as part of a rebuilding process. “They will go to the Asia Cup, and even if they lose to India, they will say that we are still preparing to make a new team,” he remarked.
