Cricket is the most popular game in the subcontinent. Pakistan has a rich history of producing legendary players. However, the recent performance of the national cricket team has raised concerns among fans.

In 2016, under Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan team became number one in Test ranking. But it was a short-term success story as Pakistan failed to retain the top position. The year 2017 was not a great year for team Pakistan in Test cricket and the number one team slipped to the seventh spot.

The downfall of red ball cricket in Pakistan has not happened all of a sudden; it has occurred owing to plenty of problems at the grassroots.

The main reason for the fall of Test cricket is T20 leagues that are making Test cricket less popular around the world.

T20 cricket is known for its fast-paced and entertaining nature. Matches are shorter in duration (around 3-4 hours), making them more appealing to an audience. The format encourages aggressive and exciting play, leading to high-scoring games and close finishes.

T20 leagues often have more flexible schedules compared to international commitments, allowing players to manage their time better and participate in multiple leagues throughout the year.

Twenty20 cricket is a shorter format compared to Test and One Day Internationals (ODIs) that provide less physical strain on the players, which can be appealing, particularly for those who want to prolong their careers or manage fitness concerns.

T20 leagues have successfully attracted new audiences to the sport, including those who may not have been traditional cricket fans. Twenty20 cricket provides an action-packed atmosphere on the ground and usually attracts crowds.

This format allows fans to see their favourite international players competing alongside and against each other. Many cricketers around the world have turned to T20 cricket in a bid to prolong their careers and pocket millions of dollars.

Many Pakistani cricketers don’t take part in domestic cricket for “personal reasons” but always remain available for money-making matches abroad, even in non-Test playing countries.

Some players may feel that they have limited opportunities in domestic cricket to showcase their talent or make a significant impact. T20 leagues offer a platform where they can gain recognition and make a name for themselves on the international stage.

It’s essential to recognise that the decision to participate in T20 leagues over national duty is a personal one, and not all Pakistani cricketers make this choice. Many players continue to prioritise representing their country and contributing to the success of the national team. The reasons mentioned above are just a few factors that may influence some players’ decisions at certain points in their careers.

Before the Australia tour, then Team Director Muhammad Hafeez emphasised that Pakistani players should prioritise national team duty over franchise cricket.

He gave this statement after fast bowler Haris Rauf declined to be part of the team’s Test tour of Australia.

After the Test series loss in Australia, Hafeez lambasted the Pakistani cricketers, stating that they are more interested in playing franchise tournaments around the world than representing their own country.

Almost 15 years back in the year 2008, everyone was excited to see Indian and Pakistani players play together for a team. Former Pak skipper Shahid Afridi and current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma were playing together for the Hyderabad franchise.

But the Mumbai attacks in November 2008 changed the entire cricketing scenario between the Asian rivals and Pakistani players haven’t appeared in any season of the Indian T20 League since 2008.

In 2010, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made a ruling barring active Indian players from participating in any foreign T20 leagues.

The reason is quite simple. Indian cricketers don’t play too much and remain fit and available for the national team.

Now the PCB should take notice of the players’ excessive engagements in T20 leagues abroad. The board is paying the players handsome salaries and other benefits. It also incurs heavy expenditure for their treatment when they are injured. But when the team needs a 100 percent fit player he is not available for the national side.

Many star Pakistan cricketers were seen participating in various franchise tournaments. While Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are playing in the Bangladesh Premier League, players like Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan are involved in the ILT20.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup this year, giving them NOCs to take part in franchise leagues around the world is risky for the team.

Fitness is a hurdle for the performance of Pakistani players, especially bowlers, due to excessive league engagement.

For all centrally and domestic contracted seniors and juniors players Pakistan should be the priority. National duty should be above franchise-league commitments.

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