By Benson Daniel
Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has warned that the country’s cricket problems cannot be solved through quick fixes, insisting that meaningful change will require several years of sustained investment and stability.
Azhar’s comments come as Pakistan cricket faces another period of turmoil following a disastrous England tour that has exposed deeper problems within the team and its administration.
Pakistan have endured a difficult run of results, with the side sitting at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings for a second consecutive cycle. The team has also lost 15 of its last 20 matches, adding to concerns over its direction and long term competitiveness.
The latest crisis intensified after heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s led to seven players being removed from the touring party, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was moved aside. Former captain Misbah ul Haq also resigned as a selector in protest at the upheaval.
Azhar, who played 97 Tests for Pakistan and scored 19 centuries, said the problems went far beyond the latest changes in personnel.
He criticised what he described as a revolving door of coaches, selectors and captains, arguing that repeated changes have prevented the national team from developing a consistent identity or long term plan.
According to Azhar, Pakistan needs a settled structure that gives players and coaches time to develop rather than reacting to every poor result with another major change.
He also expressed sympathy for Babar Azam, who is facing renewed pressure during his second spell as Pakistan captain. Azhar believes the constant criticism surrounding Babar has affected the batter’s confidence and called for greater support from those managing the team.
Azhar also questioned the emergence of what he sees as a damaging blame culture within Pakistan cricket. He criticised high performance director Aaqib Javed for appearing to distance himself from decisions made during the current crisis.
For Azhar, accountability must begin with those responsible for running the game. He argued that officials should accept responsibility when their decisions fail rather than shifting blame onto coaches or players.
The former captain believes the biggest priority should be rebuilding Pakistan’s domestic and development structures. He called for greater investment in pathway coaching, particularly at under 19 level, as well as better financial incentives for players who commit themselves to Test cricket.
Fast bowling was another area he highlighted. Pakistan has historically produced some of the world’s most feared pace bowlers, but Azhar believes the country is no longer developing enough bowlers capable of sustaining high speeds and long spells in Test cricket.
He pointed to Bangladesh’s investment in developing fast bowlers as an example of what can be achieved when a cricketing system deliberately develops a particular strength.
Azhar also acknowledged the growing attraction of lucrative T20 leagues, which can make it difficult to convince players to dedicate themselves to the demanding schedule of red ball cricket.
He believes Pakistan must therefore create an environment where Test cricket is financially attractive and professionally rewarding.
While accepting that the current situation is serious, Azhar remains convinced that Pakistan has enough talent to rebuild.
But he cautioned against expecting immediate results.
“Pakistan cricket cannot change in the space of a year,” he said, arguing that a realistic recovery would require four or five years of consistent planning, investment and competent leadership.
For Azhar, the priority is not another short term reshuffle but the creation of a stable system capable of producing players and teams that can compete at the highest level again.
Leave a comment