Considering our historic test series drubbing at the hands of a talented Bangladesh team, following other embarrassing losses at the hands of Canada and Afghanistan in major tournaments, it would not be out of place for Pakistan to seek the ICC's permission for a two-year respite from all forms of international cricket series and tournaments. Blaming the present management of the PCB for the woeful situation is wrong and pointless. The rot started before the present PCB management took charge when we were whitewashed at home in a test series for the first time by England in December 2022.
Then there is the proliferation of T-20 league cricket which has seriously affected the temperament and equanimity of our players, qualities that are essential for test cricket. Therefore, it is suggested that we should take a break from international cricket and a panel of proficient coaches/cricketers should be appointed by the PCB to develop and groom separate teams for all the three formats over the next two-year period.
Umar M Makhdumi
Karachi