Pakistan Cricket’s Decline Attributed to T20 Dominance and Financial Distractions
Zaheer Abbas, a legendary Pakistani cricketer, has expressed concern over the decline of Pakistan cricket, attributing it to the excessive emphasis on T20 cricket and the influx of money in the shortest format.
Abbas believes that the proliferation of T20 cricket in Pakistan has led players to neglect the fundamentals of Test cricket. “There’s too much T20 cricket being played in Pakistan, and because of that, our players have forgotten the essence of Test cricket,” he said.
He also criticized the financial incentives in T20 cricket and global leagues, which he believes have shifted players’ focus away from the game itself. “So much money has come into cricket that the players today are only focused on making money, and their attention is diverted from the game itself,” he added.
Abbas’s comments highlight the challenges facing Pakistan cricket, which has struggled to maintain its once-dominant position in international cricket, particularly in Test matches. He also expressed frustration with the leadership turbulence within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket,” he said. “We took Pakistan cricket to great heights. The world admired our cricket. But today, those in charge are only concerned with their own interests, not with cricket or the players.”
Despite the challenges, Abbas remains optimistic about the future of Pakistan cricket. He believes that India should tour Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, even though the countries have strained relations.
“The Indian team should tour Pakistan, as it will promote cricket in the subcontinent, especially in Pakistan,” he said. “The Indian team is a great ambassador of cricket. If they come and play in Pakistan, it will take cricket forward in our country.”
