Cricket is not just a sport in Pakistan; it’s a passion, a unifying force, and a major source of national pride. However, after a miserable performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistani players are back home empty handed as the team failed to qualify for the Super-8 after being beaten by USA and India in the group stage.

Interestingly, the Afghanistan team reached the semi-final. Most Afghan players grew up and learnt the game in refugee camps in Pakistan.

Fans are demanding drastic changes from players to officials and eliminating the players’ power. Fans say that not only the players but the officials, including the selection committee, should be changed and persons who have the knowledge of modern cricket should be inducted in the selection committee.

As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to strengthen the domestic cricket system and review the contracts of domestic cricketers, while participation in domestic cricket has been made mandatory for selection in national team.

It has been decided that the quality of domestic cricket will be promoted at all levels, from club level to national level. The best coaches will be hired, and players will be groomed in a professional manner. Players will be selected based on performance and skills.

But the issue is implementation of the decisions. So many times, it has been decided that domestic structure will improve and the participation of the senior players will be mandatory, but in the end, players’ power forces the management to select them directly.

Pakistan players participate in different leagues around the world just for money making, but feel ashamed to play in domestic cricket. Therefore, this time the management should be firm and not select such players. The PCB should not issue NOC for other leagues to any player who doesn’t play in domestic cricket.

Pakistan’s domestic cricket is plagued by poor facilities, inadequate coaching, and limited financial resources. This results in players reaching the international level without the necessary skills or mental toughness to thrive consistently.

The management of cricket in Pakistan has often been marred by inefficiency and instability. Frequent changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) leadership and coaching staff disrupt the continuity necessary for building a strong team. Each new administration brings different policies and priorities, causing confusion and lack of clear direction for players. This inconsistency at the top trickles down, affecting the morale and performance of the team.

Besides, allegations of favoritism and internal politics have plagued the PCB, leading to questionable selection decisions. These issues create an environment where players are more focused on securing their places in the team rather than working together towards collective success. The lack of a stable and transparent management structure undermines efforts to build a fighting unit.

To make a strong team for the future, the development of a strong cricketing unit starts at the grassroots level. Unlike countries like Australia and England, which have comprehensive systems for nurturing young talent, Pakistan’s domestic cricket often suffers from neglect and underinvestment.

Selection policies in Pakistan cricket have often been inconsistent and controversial. Frequent changes in the team lineup and a lack of clear criteria for selection demoralise players and disrupt team chemistry. Players who are unsure of their place in the team may focus more on individual performance rather than working together for the team’s success.

This inconsistency in selection can also lead to a lack of stability within the squad, making it difficult to build a cohesive unit that understands each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Consistent selection policies are crucial for developing trust and unity within the team.

Effective leadership is critical for any sports team. Pakistan has struggled to find and maintain strong, consistent leadership both on and off the field. The captaincy has changed hands frequently, preventing the establishment of a clear and unified vision for the team.

Strong leaders like Imran Khan, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq have been exceptions rather than the norm in Pakistan cricket.

There is a big question mark on Babar Azam’s leadership qualities. Despite his individual brilliance and leadership qualities, he has yet to lead Pakistan to victory in an ICC tournament.

One of the primary reasons behind Babar’s inability to win an ICC tournament is the inconsistency in team composition. Pakistan cricket has struggled with a stable lineup, with frequent changes in the squad due to injuries, form slumps, and selection controversies. A settled team is crucial for building the chemistry and understanding necessary for winning high-stakes tournaments.

Winning an ICC tournament requires not only talent but also astute strategic and tactical acumen. Decision-making in crunch situations, such as field placements, bowling changes, and batting orders, can greatly influence the outcome of matches in high-pressure tournaments.

Stability in team composition, better handling of pressure, strategic growth, and aggressive leadership are essential elements that need to align for Pakistan in future ICC tournaments.

A comprehensive approach to fitness and training, including mental conditioning, is essential for building a resilient team. We need to invest in better facilities, expert trainers, and modern training methodologies to ensure their players can compete at the highest level consistently.

Transforming the Pakistan cricket team into a fighting unit requires addressing a complex web of issues. Stable and transparent management, strong leadership, better infrastructure, consistent selection policies, improved fitness standards, and managing external distractions are all crucial steps. While the road is challenging, we have the potential to overcome these obstacles.

Addressing these areas holistically can help Pakistan cricket move from sporadic brilliance to sustained excellence.

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