Pakistan’s cricket future hinges on domestic reform, not short-term fixes | Sports

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Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Pakistanis. From the glory days of Imran Khan’s leadership to the artistry of Wasim Akram and the modern brilliance of Babar Azam, the nation has long been a nursery of cricketing talent. Yet, in recent years, Pakistan’s performances have disappointed fans and pundits are asking the same question: Why is Pakistan struggling to consistently produce world-class players?

The answer lies deep in the very foundation of the game, in the structure of Pakistan’s domestic cricket. Without a competitive, well-managed, and professionally managed domestic system, the dream of building a strong national side will remain unfulfilled.

A strong domestic structure is the bedrock of every successful cricketing nation. It is where raw talent is discovered, developed and tested under pressure before donning the national colours. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s domestic setup lacks the intensity, infrastructure and incentives required to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.

Many players shine in local tournaments but falter on the international stage because the standards they face at home are so low. Absence of a rigorous home environment deprives budding cricketers of the experience needed to develop mental toughness, technical depth and consistency.

A major reason behind the decline in domestic standards is the absence of national stars in domestic tournaments. When top players leave domestic competitions, the competition loses both competition and public appeal. Stadiums remain empty, matches turn monotonous, and small lots miss out on the precious opportunity to play with or alongside experienced internationals.

In contrast, cricketing powerhouses like Australia, England and India ensure that their top players remain involved in the domestic circuits. For example, BCCI makes it mandatory for national players to participate in domestic events like Ranji Trophy or Syed Mashaq Ali Trophy whenever possible. This policy raises the level of competition and provides role models for younger players to emulate.

Pakistan should adopt a similar approach, national players should be encouraged, and if necessary, mandated, to develop both standards and spectators to feature in domestic tournaments.

Another growing challenge is the overemphasis on T20 leagues. The global franchise boom has lured many Pakistani cricketers to short-term financial gains, often at the expense of long-term national interest. Players who frequently leave domestic four-day matches to play in foreign leagues deprive themselves, and others, of the rigorous experience that first-class cricket provides.

Test cricket remains the ultimate benchmark of skill, temperament and endurance. Without consistent exposure to the longer formats, Pakistan’s players struggle to adapt to the demands. As a result, Pakistan’s batting collapses, inconsistent bowling spells, and lack of match temper have become recurring problems in Test and even ODI cricket.

The revival of four-day cricket is very important. Matches between departmental or regional teams such as WAPDA, NBP, or SNGPL no longer attract fans due to lackluster contests and poor ground conditions. To revive interest, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) needs to revive the format, improve facilities and ensure that stars participate regularly.

Better financial rewards, better media coverage, and a transparent selection process will encourage players to take domestic cricket seriously. PCB can also collaborate with private sponsors to make domestic tournaments commercially viable and attractive to broadcasters.

The lure of international T20 leagues is understandable, but the PCB must strike a balance between allowing players financial freedom and protecting national priorities. Players who consistently leave domestic cricket behind should face clear consequences for national team selection considerations. Only then will domestic cricket regain its rightful importance as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem.

Reviving Pakistan cricket should start from the grassroots. The demise of school, college and university cricket has reduced the talent pipeline that once produced legends like Javed Miand and Anzam-ul-Haq. Revitalizing these levels with adequate funding, qualified coaching, and structured tournaments will quickly identify and nurture promising youngsters.

Equally important is the establishment of regional academies equipped with modern training facilities and fitness programs. These academies should operate throughout the year and work in coordination with home teams to ensure continuity in player development.

Pakistan’s fitness standards are a cause for concern. Many of today’s players have fallen behind their international counterparts, and even the former greats look sharp compared to the current generation. While short-term army-run camps may help temporarily, what Pakistan needs is a comprehensive, year-round fitness regime that includes domestic cricket.

The PCB should assign bowling coaches like Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal to regional academies with a clear mandate: to identify, train and supervise emerging bowlers who can share the load at the national level. Similarly, batting and fielding programs should be standardized across regions.

Pakistan cricket has long thrived on natural flair and individual brilliance, but in modern cricket, structure and professionalism are just as important as talent. A reformed domestic system will ensure that players develop the discipline, adaptability and tactical understanding required to consistently compete against top nations.

The PCB, team management, and selectors should come together to chart a long-term vision to focus on domestic reforms rather than quick fixes.

Pakistan cannot rely entirely on individual stars or sporadic performances, it needs a steady production line of quality cricketers ready for international challenges.

If Pakistan really wants to reclaim its lost cricketing glory, the revival must start from within. Strengthening domestic cricket is not just an administrative task, it is a national cricketing imperative. Only through a competitive, transparent, and well-structured system can Pakistan produce world-class players capable of bringing consistency and pride back to the green shirt.

For too long, domestic cricket has been considered an afterthought, overshadowed by the glamor of T20 leagues and international tours. This has to be changed. The fate of Pakistan cricket depends not on short-term heroics, but on the long-term rebuilding of its home roots.

A strong domestic structure based on merit, professionalism and stability is the only way forward. Without it, Pakistan will grow, talented, vibrant, yet permanently incomplete.

khurms87@yahoo.com