Pakistan Cricket’s Persistent Problems: Hussain Blames Systemic Issues
Pakistan cricket has been plagued by a persistent cycle of changes, with coaches, captains, players, selectors, and even board chairmen coming and going. Despite these constant shifts, the team’s problems remain unresolved.
The latest shake-up came after Pakistan’s loss in the opening Test against England, prompting a change in the selection committee and the benching of key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah. However, former England captain Nasser Hussain believes the blame lies not with these individuals but with the systemic issues within Pakistan cricket.
“The issue is not Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, or Naseem Shah,” Hussain said. “The issue is behind the scenes in the way Pakistan cricket runs.”
Hussain pointed out that Pakistan has used 26 different selectors for the senior men’s national team, a staggering number that highlights the lack of stability and continuity. He emphasized that no sport or business can function effectively with such frequent changes.
“If you keep changing selectors, coaches, captains—constantly shuffling leadership—it’s impossible to plan ahead,” Hussain said. “No successful business or sports team works that way.”
Hussain also acknowledged the financial challenges faced by Pakistan cricket, but he stressed that the team’s self-inflicted problems have exacerbated the situation.
“They shoot themselves in the foot,” Hussain said. “Their cricket and some of it, you give them a bit of leeway because of the way the finances of the world game have gone with the big three, and they’re picking up the scraps like other nations are.”
Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram echoed Hussain’s sentiments, saying that he and Atherton “are onto something.”
As Pakistan prepares for the second Test against England without Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem, the team faces an uphill battle to turn its fortunes around. The constant changes and lack of stability have created a culture of short-term thinking and unpreparedness that has hindered the team’s progress.